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Freelance reporter vs newspaper reporter

The differences between freelance reporters and newspaper reporters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a freelance reporter and a newspaper reporter. Additionally, a freelance reporter has an average salary of $59,035, which is higher than the $49,143 average annual salary of a newspaper reporter.

The top three skills for a freelance reporter include photography, feature stories and conduct interviews. The most important skills for a newspaper reporter are news articles, feature stories, and community events.

Freelance reporter vs newspaper reporter overview

Freelance ReporterNewspaper Reporter
Yearly salary$59,035$49,143
Hourly rate$28.38$23.63
Growth rate-10%-10%
Number of jobs3,7682,329
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Freelance reporter vs newspaper reporter salary

Freelance reporters and newspaper reporters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Freelance ReporterNewspaper Reporter
Average salary$59,035$49,143
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $101,000Between $31,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between freelance reporter and newspaper reporter education

There are a few differences between a freelance reporter and a newspaper reporter in terms of educational background:

Freelance ReporterNewspaper Reporter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorJournalismJournalism
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Freelance reporter vs newspaper reporter demographics

Here are the differences between freelance reporters' and newspaper reporters' demographics:

Freelance ReporterNewspaper Reporter
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 43.4% Female, 56.6%Male, 43.7% Female, 56.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 9.5% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 9.6% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between freelance reporter and newspaper reporter duties and responsibilities

Freelance reporter example responsibilities.

  • Maintain connections to audience on Facebook by posting breaking news, local news, current events and teases for stories.
  • Design websites using HTML code.
  • Work on web pages in Dreamweaver in HTML and CSS.
  • Lead writer that cover various topics revolving around the NFL season and college draft.
  • Enhance publication's online presence by posting material on the newspaper's website and Facebook pages.
  • Provide coverage for topics around sports with a primary focus on MLS, MLB, and NFL.
  • Show more

Newspaper reporter example responsibilities.

  • Create a Facebook page and update statuses regularly to promote the publication.
  • Use NewsEditPro and InDesign software to create attractive news pages nightly prior to deadline.
  • Interview persons of interest, organize event calendars, write regular articles, provide consistent photography, and help paraphrase stock compilations
  • Assist with some editorial functions including final editing of some stories.
  • Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
  • Report from red-carpet events, including: MTV

Freelance reporter vs newspaper reporter skills

Common freelance reporter skills
  • Photography, 16%
  • Feature Stories, 14%
  • Conduct Interviews, 7%
  • News Coverage, 7%
  • Local Events, 7%
  • News Articles, 5%
Common newspaper reporter skills
  • News Articles, 14%
  • Feature Stories, 13%
  • Community Events, 6%
  • Indesign, 5%
  • Local Events, 5%
  • Conduct Interviews, 5%

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