Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for media assistants in the United States
Media assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected media assistant job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for media assistants are projected over the next decade.
Media assistant salaries have increased 8% for media assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 27,378 media assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 13,894 active media assistant job openings in the US.
The average media assistant salary is $37,287.
Are media assistant jobs in demand?
Media assistant job and salary trends over time
Media assistant jobs over time
Media assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27,378 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 28,018 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 28,478 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 27,955 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 27,277 | 0.01% |
Average media assistant salary over time
Media assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,287 | $17.93 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $36,302 | $17.45 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $35,619 | $17.12 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $35,204 | $16.92 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $34,444 | $16.56 | +2.2% |
Media assistant jobs by state
Most common states for media assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 69 | 10% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 50 | 8% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 55 | 6% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 41 | 6% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 35 | 6% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 52 | 5% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 35 | 5% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 124 | 4% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 68 | 4% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 55 | 4% |
| 11 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 50 | 4% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 41 | 4% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 37 | 4% |
| 14 | New York | 19,849,399 | 618 | 3% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 323 | 3% |
| 16 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 239 | 3% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 177 | 3% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 104 | 3% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 94 | 3% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 65 | 3% |
Most common cities for media assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $29,027 |
Media Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of media assistant experts
Grand Valley State University
Bowie State University
San Francisco State University
Loyola University New Orleans
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Emory University
University of Texas at Tyler
Hope College
University of Texas at Austin
Brigham Young University
Rider University
University of North Texas
Duquesne University
Dominican University of California
California Baptist University
Cedar Crest College
What Media Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kimberly Lauffer: Some of the drawbacks in public relations include the 24-7 nature of some roles (media relations, crisis communication, social media). It can be difficult for new practitioners to prioritize daily activities when they have multiple demands for attention. However, it can also be a rewarding career, both intrinsically and financially.
What will help Media Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joy Daggs: I have quite a bit of advice:
1. Get as much experience as an undergraduate as possible. Many programs require internships, but even if they don't, seek opportunities to get experience. Take leadership roles in student organizations. Even if it's not specifically a 'public relations' entitled position, anything where you practice your skills is helpful. Even if you need to work a job in retail or service, those jobs still provide important benefits other than a paycheck. Don't discount your experiences!
2. Don't pass up opportunities to meet professionals. Many schools and departments bring their alumni on campus or do virtual events so that you can meet and chat with professionals. Even if it's not required for class, GO. You never know when a casual conversation may lead to an internship or an important professional connection.
3. Use your LinkedIn profile to your advantage. Make sure you have a professional picture that shows you in your best light. Follow organizations that you want to work for and other professional organizations related to your interests. I know of people getting interviews based off of LinkedIn interactions. Check your other social media accounts to make sure that you are not presenting yourself poorly. Most likely, organizations will Google you or look up your personal social media. There are reports of students losing opportunities because of poor social media choices.
What general advice would you give to a Media Assistant?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: Maximizing salary potential often has to do with knowing your worth. It is important for individuals to do some research on what similar positions in the field are being paid in order to understand what an acceptable salary range may be for a particular position. In order to argue for an offer to be on the higher end of a typical salary range and maximize earning potential, it is important to vocalize your skills and assets within interviews and in your application materials. Individuals will need to self-advocate to show why they should earn a higher salary. It can be helpful to write out their skills and assets on paper first and rehearse saying them out loud to feel more comfortable and confident within an interview.
What Media Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: I think the ability to engage and connect with people will be very important in the field as we shift more and more to a culture that is driven by AI. Although AI can be a useful tool, it likely won’t ever fully replace the value of human interaction and connection. In addition, employers often comment that they want to see employees with strong work ethic, and I think this will continue to be the case in 3-5 years. Having a strong work ethic can separate the people that move forward in their careers to those who remain stagnant.
What will help Media Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: My general advice for a graduate beginning their career in the field is to work hard, stay open-minded, and network! Most employees won’t stay in the same position for their entire career, and so I often tell graduates to not get too hung up on the first job needing to be the 'perfect' job for them. Often, the first job will be a place where they learn how to navigate the workplace, learn about their own strengths/weaknesses, and figure out what they like and don’t like. I encourage graduates to use this information to help them make decisions about the next steps in their career. And, if they are working hard and networking with people at their job, then opportunities will often times present themselves or be more available to them as they navigate their future career path.
What Media Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: My general advice to a graduate who transitions into that first professional job in the Communication field is similar to advice I give Communication students for navigating internship workspaces (Communications Internship Handbook: What HBCU Students Need to Know, 2022). Be intentional about learning the organizational or office culture, really listen to find out what is expected of you, be flexible and adaptable when there are changes in workflow, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
What general advice would you give to a Media Assistant?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Communication- many grads lack even basic communication skills such as presenting, writing, or conversation; the industry is going to be seeking out not just the best and brightest, individuals who are personable, can relate and have rational discussions with others. The inability to engage in conversation and debate, or network with others is a serious issue among students, and these are skills that are absolutely vital to any professional.
What will help Media Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Be reliable and willing to do different things. You don’t know where your best suited after graduation, but demonstrating that you can be counted on is not easily forgotten by most employers. Similarly, employees who decide to pigeon-hole themselves into a narrow set of tasks are rarely asked to do much beyond that, and can impede the progress in one’s career.
What Media Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Geri Merrigan: Listening, empathy, and perspective-taking remain as important as ever, because change is the only certainty, and globalization connects us to people quite different from ourselves. That means skills for inclusive communication matter – analyzing an audience and crafting messages for diverse stakeholders. Finally, understanding the technology (especially AI) that is most consequential for your industry/sector, for Communication Studies majors, means understanding current events, reading about AI, and evaluating the credibility of what you read.
Jeffrey Ory
President & CEO, il Stratega Marketing & Public Relations, Adjunct ProfessorLoyola University New Orleans
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What will help Media Assistants increase their earning potential?
Jeffrey Ory: Starting a career in public relations can be an exhilarating journey, filled with opportunities to shape perceptions and craft compelling narratives. As you embark on this path, there are a few foundational strategies that can enhance your success in the dynamic field of PR. First and foremost, cultivating a robust network is essential. The heart of public relations lies in forging strong connections. Engage actively with colleagues, journalists, and industry professionals. This can be achieved by attending industry events, participating in relevant organizations, and maintaining a vibrant presence on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. These relationships will not only provide valuable insights and opportunities but also support your growth in the field. Equally important is honing your communication skills. In public relations, your ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is paramount. Dedicate time to refining your writing and speaking abilities, ensuring you can deliver clear, concise, and compelling messages tailored to various audiences and media formats. This skill set is your toolkit, enabling you to convey your clients' messages effectively and resonate with your target audience. Staying informed cannot be overlooked. The landscape of public relations is constantly influenced by shifting industry trends, breaking news, and technological advancements. By keeping abreast of these changes, you can better anticipate and meet the needs of your clients and the media, thus solidifying your role as a knowledgeable and indispensable asset. Practical experience is another cornerstone of a successful PR career. Seek out internships or entry-level positions within PR agencies or in-house teams. These opportunities are invaluable for understanding the industry's dynamics from the inside out, providing a real-world context to the theories and strategies learned in academic settings. Lastly, embracing a proactive and creative mindset is crucial. Public relations thrive on innovation and initiative. Be ready to propose new ideas, tackle challenges with creative solutions, and manage crises with agility and poise. Your ability to think outside the box and act decisively in high-pressure situations will set you apart in the fast-paced world of public relations.
What will help Media Assistants increase their earning potential?
Stephen Henderson: Google’s series of studies showed that so-called “soft skills” carry much more weight than technical skills in the workplace. Perhaps as a direct complement to the prevalence of technology in the industry, we’re predicting that interpersonal communication and conflict-resolution skills will be even more needed in the future workplace. We emphasize those skills in our program. We’ll need skilled communicators who can solve problems with other people, and we’ll need them everywhere.
What general advice would you give to a Media Assistant?
Gary Laderman: Religious forces in society are more powerful, persuasive, and influential than any other in society. Religion majors are equipped to analyze and interpret these forces, and translate how various industries and social sectors interact with them. Religion graduates provide unique and valuable perspectives that can make a significant impact in their chosen fields. Do not be shy about the kind of knowledge you have accumulated over your college career, and be sure to clarify that you are not approaching your professional career as a theologian.
Dr. David Scott
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Texas at Tyler
Social Sciences
What Media Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. David Scott: Work hard! Do the job to the best of your ability and establish a strong work ethic. Seek as much education (postgraduate) and training as you can to become more marketable. Don't be afraid to leave the organization if your personal needs and beliefs are not being met. It is just a job. Stay on top of the current skills needed for the job market and fulfill those needs when possible. In many industries, they need you more than you need them today. Become a team player but also be investing in yourself with continuing education and training.
What will help Media Assistants increase their earning potential?
Jayson Dibble Ph.D.: People who study communication as a whole study the basic processes of creating understanding between people. In other words, we work to learn how it is that you start with an idea in your head, you create some sort of stimuli that I can perceive (e.g., letters/words in a note, sounds in a telephone, body movements and gestures), and then I attach a meaning that's close enough to what you started with so that we say we 'understand' each other. This is what it means to study communication. Creating shared meaning and understanding happen in a whole bunch of contexts to include interpersonally, at work, through the mass media, through social media, and more, and some people focus on one of those specific contexts and get jobs there. Some of these jobs are more obvious, e.g., public relations experts, broadcasters, but communication experts are also found in health care, politics, conflict resolution and mediation, clergy, and more. There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all 'communication specialist,' and their day to day work will be as unique as the setting they serve. What they have in common, though, is an emphasis on skills like listening, empathy, paraphrasing, clarifying and simplifying complex information, and creating messaging unique to the receiver. Studying communication isn't necessarily about training for a job; it's a set of knowledge and skills that benefits any job. Communication departments in universities and colleges nationwide work hard to prepare a workforce that will be adept at creating shared meaning between people, across companies, across nations, and probably even across planets (ask NASA).
What will help Media Assistants increase their earning potential?
John Daly: There are so many tasks depending upon your major in Communication. For example: Communication Studies: Sales, HR, Hospitality, General Management, PR; Crisis communication Radio, Television & Film: Production, Directing, Acting, Script-writing Journalism: Writing for news outlets, Editing Advertising: Copywriting, Creative advertising, Placement; Web design Speech and Hearing Sciences: Audiology, Stuttering, Stroke recovery, Language acquisition
Brian Smith Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorBrigham Young University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What general advice would you give to a Media Assistant?
Brian Smith Ph.D.: Take a look around us…we are in an age of distrust and uncertainty. Public relations is in the best position to fill the trust gap. PR professionals serve the stakeholders and publics that are most affected by company decisions. PR is the advocate that ensures that companies fill the needs of the society while also building company legitimacy.
What will help Media Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Allison Weidhaas: Today's fast-paced world has shortened the news cycle from hours to minutes; those working on an organizational crisis or issue will find that social media requires not only continuous monitoring but also a fast response. This may mean that a communication professional needs to work odd hours or be on call for emergencies. A positive aspect is not only the growth in jobs that we are seeing, but also technology makes it feasible to, in some cases, work remotely. Additionally, communication professionals express pride and accomplishment in being involved in high-level organizational strategic decisions and communicating about the company's success.
What Media Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
F. Michele Abbott: A: Again, this is going to depend on individual strengths and goals. Then, in no
particular order:
Research the most lucrative work options that will capitalize on what you’re
good at already and/or relate to elective class options being offered by your
school. Ask the career counselor, if the school offers that resource – and they
should, and see free resources such as the Bureau of Labor and Statistics
(bls.gov)
Network – Who can you think of that knows someone who knows someone?
Know your value – what can you bring to that party - and lead with it.
Volunteer within your chosen field – I know this sounds counterintuitive, but
you can’t underestimate the value of hands-on experience on a resume.
Moreover, you will learn what books and theory can’t teach. Bonus: Multiple
networking opportunities.
Brittany McElroy
Senior LecturerUniversity of North Texas
Mayborn School of Journalism
What soft skills should all Media Assistants possess?
Brittany McElroy: As far as soft skills go, they are the same skills they've always been- good networking and communication skills. Understand that while a lot can get done in a digital space, a face-to-face connection (even if that is on zoom) can go a lot farther than an email. Some of our recent grads hate having to pick up the phone and make an actual call. They are much more comfortable with text or email, but they need to push themselves out of their comfort zone to connect with people. While I think younger generations have a lot of new skills and perspectives that can be so valuable to potential employers, those old-fashioned networking skills still go a long way.
What skills stand out on Media Assistant resumes?
Dr. Mike Dillon: Evidence (courses, internships, other experience) that demonstrates competence in communicating with a wide array of audiences across multiple platforms. Our journalism program, for instance, is multiplatform: students learn to write, edit, shoot video, create podcasts, adapt stories to fit the requirements of multiple platforms, etc. Basically, we want to send students out of here like Swiss Army Knives -- able to work in their area of proficiency, be that writing or videography, but also adept with a wide variety of other competencies.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Media Assistants?
Dr. Mike Dillon: Media is about storytelling -- whether it's an ad, a social media campaign, a magazine story, etc. Being able to use the tools of your trade, whatever they may be -- algorithms, editing suites, etc. The most important skill, though, is understanding the essence of those tools -- what is they are intended to accomplish. If you understand that, you can easily adapt when tools change -- which they frequently do.
What skills will help Media Assistants earn the most?
Dr. Mike Dillon: To not think and act in a silo, to adapt and be in a position when new opportunities arise, even if they are not in a seeming linear line from where you might be at the moment. A person who is a critical thinker with technical skills is more valuable than a person who is adept at doing what they're told with technology but has no larger sense of the how or why they use tools.
What soft skills should all Media Assistants possess?
Dr. Mike Dillon: Today, teamwork is paramount. A young professional must work with and communicate effectively with a wide array of internal constituencies. You definitely need interpersonal skills -- whether you are working in person or over Zoom or another video platform. The ability to work independently to problem-solve. Media cycles are now measured in nano-seconds, so a supervisor needs to be able to trust that you can handle what comes your way without constantly checking in. Tone -- the insight to understand how different platforms you use for planning or dealing with sources/constituents/colleagues -- who may be of different ages or from different cultures -- require mindfulness about how and what you communicate.
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Online Learning and Development, Chair of the Communications and Media Studies DepartmentDominican University of California
Communication and Media Studies
What skills stand out on Media Assistant resumes?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Experience: internships, co-curricular and extra-curricular projects, and any jobs held while in college. Those jobs may not be directly related to a media coordinator job description but could have other benefits like the team environment at a restaurant.
What soft skills should all Media Assistants possess?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Working well with others, time management, and the ability to teach and supervise others.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Media Assistants?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Video (shooting and editing), audio applications that allow you to produce and edit sound, and social media literacy.
What skills will help Media Assistants earn the most?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: The hard skills (audio and video) usually get you the job, but the soft skills allow you to keep it and grow!
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Media Assistants?
MaryAnn Pearson: Society is changing overall, and these changes will impact graduates. We may see more online or hybrid work opportunities. The job market for students trained in journalism and communication is very good.
What type of skills will young Media Assistants need?
MaryAnn Pearson: Graduates will need to show an incredible work ethic. Dedication, hard work, and the ability to work well in a virtual or in-person team are important skill sets. Journalism students often work for student publications, and they gain expertise and the ability to meet deadlines with excellent work.
What experience really stands out on Media Assistant resumes?
MaryAnn Pearson: Resumes that include work with student publications (newspapers, magazines, and yearbooks) and links to published articles stand out. Students who have participated in internships also stand out as they show experience.
What experience really stands out on Media Assistant resumes?
Dr. Jill Purdy: "This is partially answered previously. I think students found time to be more self-reliant and independent. Hopefully, not to a fault as they move into their careers.
On resumes, we may see more of the soft skills described. It may sound counterintuitive, but I think a different kind of interpersonal skill was developed. On a Zoom call, what do we have but people and we have to figure out how to get our message across, collaborate, debate, and communicate effectively without extraneous factors. "
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Media Assistants?
Dr. Jill Purdy: Yes, without a doubt. These students have faced difficult times socially and academically. My take is that they will be a bit more resilient on the other side of this pandemic. However, these graduates may have a more difficult time gaining employment with the financial crisis that has accompanied the pandemic.
I believe there will be social impacts as well. Living through isolation and quarantine changed their methods of communication. Their education was like no other time, leaving these students without the support they needed. Yet, somehow most students seemed to accept the challenge for the most part.
What type of skills will young Media Assistants need?
Dr. Jill Purdy: One skill that these students have gained is the use of technology to learn and study. They were forced into it. I am sure these skills will be transferred to the workplace. Successful graduates will have time management, organizational, and self-regulation skills, which were essential to achieve during this pandemic.
One example, in my field of teacher education, is with pre-service teachers. The teachers needed to learn to teach and communicate fully online to elementary students. They were utilizing communication methods that they didn't know they had to engage young learners.
I don't think we have fully realized all the skills these students have learned during this time.