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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 159 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 169 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 180 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 159 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 166 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,226 | $18.86 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $37,896 | $18.22 | +3.0% |
| 2023 | $36,808 | $17.70 | +4.8% |
| 2022 | $35,122 | $16.89 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $33,739 | $16.22 | +4.0% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 90 | 13% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 21 | 4% |
| 3 | New York | 19,849,399 | 497 | 3% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 150 | 2% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 114 | 2% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 83 | 2% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 60 | 2% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 14 | 2% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 13 | 2% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 10 | 2% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 451 | 1% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 105 | 1% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 74 | 1% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 69 | 1% |
| 15 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 61 | 1% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 60 | 1% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 56 | 1% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 42 | 1% |
| 19 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 23 | 1% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 18 | 1% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rock Island | 1 | 3% | $38,758 |
| 2 | Champaign | 1 | 1% | $38,994 |
| 3 | Fayetteville | 1 | 1% | $37,245 |
| 4 | Metairie | 1 | 1% | $38,677 |
| 5 | New Haven | 1 | 1% | $39,779 |
| 6 | Sioux City | 1 | 1% | $33,976 |
| 7 | Bakersfield | 1 | 0% | $45,385 |
| 8 | Tampa | 1 | 0% | $34,331 |
The University of Findlay
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Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

University of New Mexico

Fairfield University
Amy Rogan: Many think that journalism is dying when in actuality is evolving. There are so many media sites out there that are not actual journalism and yet, our society needs real journalism now more than ever. Misinformation and disinformation spread so quickly, it contaminates the media landscape. But we need journalists willing to build their reputation and their audience so that trained professional journalists drown out the fiction or infotainment.
Amy Rogan: Journalists do a number of things and no two days look alike. Journalists need to have sound, solid news judgement and know their audience and what their audience needs to know. They pitch stories to their editors, producers, or managers, then they research their story topic, find the appropriate interviews and set those up. Once they complete the interviews and gather all their research they then have to craft a story that captures the readers’ or viewers’ attention and serves the community. Typically, that is just one day of work unless you’re working on a special project. Multimedia skills are in high demand because journalists are on so many platforms these days. You need to know how to write for print, digital, and broadcast. And, if you know how to shoot and edit video as well as write, your name goes to the top of the list.
Amy Rogan: People working in journalism probably most dislike the hours and the pay but it’s truly one of the most rewarding fields to work in. It can be stressful but also exciting and challenging. Whether at the local level or a larger stage, it’s truly a service to your community to provide vital information.
Professor Mac McKerral: Fact checking. Ethical use of AI. Getting back to dealing with sources face-to-face. Using literary writing devices to tell great stories.
Helen Cauley Ph.D.: The best way is to show you already have experience, and the employer won’t need to train you. An applicant who arrives ready to hit the ground running stands a better chance of getting the job and the top salary over someone who has never been published, taken a photo, put together a video story or – most important! – proved they can meet a deadline under pressure.
Helen Cauley Ph.D.: The need for people who can tell accurate, engrossing stories in a variety of media is increasing. That means being able to write concisely, speak with authority and take photos/video/sound that engage an audience. Don’t expect to have a camera crew or editor at your elbow. The more proficient you can be in mastering those tasks, the more valuable you will be.
Helen Cauley Ph.D.: Two things: 1/ Don’t wait to graduate to lay the foundation for your career. Work in the student media. Join organizations that connect you to professionals in your area (press clubs, student chapters of professional organizations). These connections often lead to internships, part-time jobs and freelance opportunities. Classroom learning is key to getting the fundamentals down, but on-the-job experience is priceless. Along with establishing a network, it will provide you with published/broadcast work you can show to future employers. 2/ Do not expect to graduate and start working at The New York Times. It takes years of experience to break into the major media organizations. Start small: Look for opportunities in second- and third-tier media markets (think suburban/rural, not urban). Even at places like CNN, get your foot in the door as a researcher, fact checker or other entry level position and prove yourself. That’s how people get promoted.
Montclair State University
Radio, Television, And Digital Communication
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin: In the area of multimedia storytelling, versatility is paramount. Much like a Swiss Army knife, having a diverse skill set is invaluable. While it's beneficial to cultivate expertise in a specific area, especially as you progress in your career, starting out often calls for a broader approach. Exploring a range of skills and interests allows you to discover your true passion before committing wholeheartedly. Once you've identified your passion, devote yourself to it wholeheartedly and strive to become an expert. However, don't overlook the importance of putting in the time to develop those skills. Whatever path you choose, continually seek out innovative ways to improve and refine your craft. Embrace creativity and experimentation, always pushing yourself to do better and explore new horizons.
Darren Phillips M.A.: Maximizing salary potential as a media professional starts with everything I’ve already mentioned. Journalists and even PR and advertising professionals must be extremely well informed on a broad range of topics. This starts with reading and just being a voracious media consumer. This also requires one to think critically, to consume media from disparate sources, to not shy away from contrarian viewpoints, and to work hard and in good faith to synthesize information responsibly. This ties in with maintaining strict allegiance to industry best practices including media ethics. Reputation is everything. Make sure your employers, prospective employers, and clients all understand and appreciate your professional integrity and just your commitment to truth and accuracy. Moreover, embrace change, lean into technological change, and become a bit of a techno geek. Work hard making contacts and building a professional network. Work hard, generally. Hard work goes a long way in any vocation. Beyond that, attend industry conferences, pay close attention to your online presence, curate your social media profiles carefully and put some real time and thought into things like your LinkedIn profile and online portfolio. Lastly, don’t be put off by rejection. Rejection comes with the territory in any competitive career field. Believe in yourself, stay positive, stay open minded, learn all you can, read like crazy, keep grinding, and success will follow eventually.
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Embarking on a career in news television broadcasting is a thrilling journey, filled with opportunities and challenges that will push you to grow and excel. The students must develop strong writing skills. I'd appreciate it if you could practice writing scripts for various news stories to hone your skills in delivering information effectively to your audience. They also need to focus on building a diverse demo reel. Showcase your versatility by gaining experience in different areas of broadcasting, such as reporting, anchoring, producing, and editing. And watch the news to stay informed. Stay updated on current events and what is going on in your community. Finally, practice your on-air presence. Practice in front of a camera and ask for feedback from mentors or peers. Work on your delivery, tone, and body language to build confidence and credibility on camera. One last thing, it's crucial to develop a thick skin. Journalism can be a demanding and sometimes stressful field. By developing resilience, you can handle criticism, rejection, and pressure with grace and composure, feeling more prepared for the challenges you may face.
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Students will need to become more digital and Social Media savvy. As digital platforms continue to reshape how audiences consume news and information, digital and social media proficiency will be increasingly crucial. However, Multimedia Storytelling must be a cornerstone of our industry. Integrating multimedia elements such as video, audio, graphics, and interactive elements will become more prevalent in broadcast journalism. Professionals who can tell compelling stories using a combination of multimedia formats will be in high demand. I always encourage students to enroll in Data Visualization courses. The ability to extract meaningful insights from data and present them visually engagingly will help broadcasters provide deeper insights and context to their stories. We must remember Mobile Journalism (MoJo). Using your mobile devices to capture, edit, and publish news content will become a standard for journalists. Last but not least, journalists must build meaningful connections with audiences through interactive storytelling, live chats, audience polls, and user-generated content will become increasingly important. Broadcasters who can foster active engagement and dialogue with their audience will be able to cultivate loyal viewership and build community around their content.
Ms. Amanda Brown: When it comes to boosting your salary, there are several strategies to consider. Start by researching the company to understand their initial pay range. In the realm of TV news, having an agent can be beneficial in negotiating higher salaries, as they advocate on your behalf. If negotiating isn't your strong suit, having someone else handle it for you can be quite helpful. In online journalism, where the job is advertised can impact your pay. For instance, if you're working remotely from Texas but receiving California-level salaries, that's a smart way to potentially earn more.
Ms. Amanda Brown: Changes in how people interact have made strong interview skills even more critical. Initiating with light conversation before tackling tough questions can significantly influence the outcome. Mastering active listening and effectively communicating with diverse individuals while staying neutral are essential. In journalism, the emphasis is on presenting facts objectively, allowing the story to shine without personal bias.
American University
Arts, Entertainment, And Media Management
Assistant Amy Eisman: One skill is easy: be flexible. The technology is changing at lightning speed. At the moment, it helps to be strong at data journalism and understanding emergent technology, such as AI. Topic areas of interest include climate coverage, health and education. It also helps to be a great team player; the speed of news means you rarely work alone. Overall, make sure you embrace the basics in the field: accuracy, fairness, transparency, independence and accountability. Be a solid writer and an even better editor and producer. No one can predict what is next for technology. Employers therefore will look for people who uphold the values of the past, are enthusiastic about the present and are curious about the future.
Joseph Valenzano III: Beginning a career must always come with the understanding that your first job is not your career, and it won’t pay you as much as you might think. Maximizing your potential in this scenario depends on many variables, some of which you cannot control. The ones you can control are the quality of your writing samples, having a record of published work in outlets (including the school paper), the clarity of your resume, and the strength of your interview. It also would be helpful to do homework on the market, the employer, and any data on comparisons you can collect. This can help you calibrate your expectations in advance of any offer. One don’t in this process: don’t expect to have a simple 9-5 job; going the extra mile when asked, and even when not asked, can help demonstrate your value to the employer and accelerate the rate of your growth in the industry as well.
Joseph Valenzano III: In the developing field of journalism some classic skills will never cease to be important, but new skills will also become more essential. Writing and the ability to edit your own work will always be crucial to a journalist, as will fact-checking and copyediting. Clean, accurate, engaging writing and the ability to interview and engage with sources and stories will always be the coin of the realm. That said, more and more journalists need to be well versed in multimedia skills and social media. Writing in these formats is different than writing in column spaces for a paper, and so learning how to translate stories to these media is becoming a skill that separates good journalists from great ones. Additionally, video skills such as editing and shooting for short formats is also becoming more important as journalists are often asked to do most, if not all, of the tasks associated with producing a video story.
K. Megan Hopper Ph.D.: I would advise that graduates should be prepared to be quick on their feet and never expect the same thing from day to day. Also, be prepared and embrace continual learning - learning about the craft as well as learning about various aspects of life and culture - and to always keep an open mind. The job is rarely boring and that is what makes journalism so exciting!
K. Megan Hopper Ph.D.: Certainly becoming even more mobile and multi-modal than one already has to be in the field. I would also say becoming aware of Artificial Intelligence and how to best navigate it and if using it, how to do so responsibly and ethically.
K. Megan Hopper Ph.D.: By diversifying your skill set as much as possible. Being able to competently gather facts and organize them effectively, shoot interesting and impactful video, capture effective soundbites, post on the web with supporting hyperlinking, and being accurate, timely, and ethical at all times.
Kevin Finch: Don't panic. There are lots of jobs available, especially in TV news and in new startups-newsletters, podcasts, web-based operations. But most jobs in communications do not hire a year in advance like some high-level business jobs. You are NOT behind if you don't have a job right now. You'll get one.
Be honest with yourself. Don't apply for jobs you don't really want just for the sake of trying to get something. Picture yourself on the other end of a phone call when a manager says, "Congratulations, you're hired." If the thought makes you nervous or sad, don't apply. Don't waste their time and yours. Sometimes that's about a region of the country where you'd prefer not to live. Sometimes, it's about a particular city, or certain ownership. Whatever your own objection, listen to your inner voice and don't apply.
Bring your family into the conversation. It's YOUR job and your career, but things will go better if you explain what your work hours will be. Some family compromises include asking you to take a job within a two-hour flight of home-or a six-hour car ride. Also, educate them on the likelihood that you may move three times before you're 30. It's the nature of journalism and related careers.
Kevin Finch: Consider your options. Two entry-level jobs may have two very different starting salaries.-because of different sized cities or different corporate pay structures. Don't be desperate and say yes to the first offer without considering those options.
You CAN ask for more money. In my first TV news job when Marconi was young, that ask resulted in just over $250 a year, but it was something. Some places are very rigid. Others have more flexibility.
If they don't budge on salary, how about opportunities for overtime? Or, ask the new boss to pay for your hotel stay to allow you to look for an apartment-or maybe for moving expense money.
Remember this: It's not a life sentence. It's usually a two-year contract. When you apply for your second job, you'll have much more leverage.
Pallavi Guha Ph.D.: Mastering all trades, for example, if you are a journalist, you need reporting skills, social media storytelling skills, basic photography/video skills, and editing skills. Using storyboards and graphics such as Canva, and effectively using social media for sourcing, interviews, checking accuracy, and promoting stories will become irreplaceable.
Pallavi Guha Ph.D.: Building a portfolio while in school, which will 'show not tell' your prospective employers that you have already done what is required for the job.
Pallavi Guha Ph.D.: Mastering all trades, for example, if you are journalist, you need reporting skills, social media story telling skills, basic photography/video skills, and editing skills. Using storyboard and graphics such Canva, and effectively using social media for sourcing, interviews, checking accuracy, and promoting stories will become irreplaceable.
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Journalism
Natalie Becerra: Do your research! If you plan to negotiate your salary you need to go in with some research to back up that counteroffer. There are plenty of reliable sites out there to help you determine the market average salary for the type of role you're applying for, while also taking geographic location into consideration. I also encourage students to try and get a rough estimate of their cost of living, especially if they plan to relocate to a larger city, so they can make sure they can make ends meet with the salary they're offered. That research plus evaluating your "value adds" you bring to the role (prestigious education, years of relevant experience, etc.) are all things that you can use to advocate for yourself.
Belmont University
Journalism
Assistant Professor Dorren Robinson: Journalists get to talk to different people everyday and tell different stories. They are relentless questioners; they want to find out the how and why of events and explain them to others. Journalists are storytellers who deal in facts. The negatives can be the pressure to meet deadlines and discomfort of telling stories others don't want told and the rigor of being edited and fact-checked.
Assistant Professor Dorren Robinson: Now more than ever, we need journalists to hold those in power accountable and write unbiased, ethically sourced stories. Journalists can inform, educate and help create a more informed society that leads to a strong democracy. Journalists can uncover corruption, lift up the marginalized and explain complex international issues as well as telling audiences about their local communities.
Professor Julia Wallace: Ask for more money. Too often, graduates - particularly women - are too intimidated to ask for more money. That's a mistake. Do your research. Know the range and ask for slightly more. Explain your value. Don't tell a potential employer you need more money. Instead, tell them why you are worth more. All these steps are important in getting the highest salary possible in the beginning, but it also lets the employer know you're paying attention to how much they pay you.
Miami University
Journalism
Rosemary Pennington: This one is harder, but I do think skill stacking is always a good idea. Someone who can, for example, write well, can work with data, and can take good photos is a more versatile reporter and could demand a higher salary than a reporter entering the field who has gotten really good at just one of those things. Building a deep resume through internships and working in student media can also help as it shows you are an experienced reporter who understands the fundamentals of the profession.
Rosemary Pennington: Being data fluent and multimedia adept are of increasing importance in the field. Data has always been important to news, but with both data and tools to crunch it becoming more accessible, it's a good idea that beginning journalists become comfortable working with numbers.
So many news outlets are branching across media that journalists really should also get comfortable working in a variety of media. Specializing in a particular medium will not help you find, and keep, a job the way it once did. That doesn't mean you have to be good at it all, but you should be familiar with how news is reported in a variety of formats.
Rosemary Pennington: I think it's important for individuals to cast as wide a net as possible when looking for that first journalism job. The worst thing a new journalist can do right now is cut off options. Apply for TV jobs, online jobs, print jobs -- apply where the jobs are. Most journalism curricula are training graduates to work in a multitude of environments and many employers are willing to provide on the job training around specific skills if the potential employee has a good news foundation. Getting that first job can be the hardest step in building a journalism career, so being open to what media you work in, and where you work, can help you land that first gig.
University of Georgia
Journalism
Dr. Keith Herndon Ph.D.: Don't be afraid to negotiate your starting salary. Young journalists have a lot to offer newsrooms through social media skills and a willingness to adapt to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Technology skills have value and should not be undersold. Also, young journalism students should not discount the value of their student media and internship experiences. Young journalists must use everything on their resumes to show how they bring value to their position and ask to be compensated fairly for the work they will contribute to the newsroom's success.
Dr. Keith Herndon Ph.D.: The journalism field is in flux, so it is very important to be flexible and adaptable and consider jobs with start-ups and non-profit news organizations that may not be at the top of the list. Also, government data shows that about 25% of working journalists are self-employed. Given the size of that proportion, young journalists need to begin thinking like an entrepreneur in terms of self-branding, and they must learn basic skills of running their own business such as how to pitch and price their work and how to submit invoices to get paid.
Dr. Keith Herndon Ph.D.: Artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming more relevant to journalism jobs, and in the next few years it will become an essential tool for journalists if it already isn't one. Journalists will increasingly use AI as they prepare interview guides, mine data, search for sources, and edit audio or video stories. Journalists have long been comfortable interviewing human subjects. Journalists now must become comfortable with prompt engineering, which is essentially interviewing the computer. But while AI can help journalists become more productive, journalists must also recognize the ethical challenges that come with using these tools and learn to become more transparent with their audiences about how and why AI tools are deployed in a newsroom.

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Department of Journalism and Public Relations
Rodger Johnson: A resume is the least important part of a job. Sure, media companies - all companies on the planet, for that matter -- want us to have one. But that's because HR needs something to do - sift through piles of paper or electronic files - and that makes them feel important. If there is one skill that standout, it's not on the resume. It's how the journalist finds a way to bypass HR and get their resume in my hands. That's a relational skill as much as it is a strategic skill that shows me they understand how a system works and finds ways to maneuver through the system toward their objective. This would also show me the applicate could probably do the same when researching and writing a story. Being able to negotiate relationships and understand how to navigate a system to get an interview or a story are skills that are not easily expressed on paper.
Rodger Johnson: Understanding how to negotiate relationships and navigate systems of bureaucracy are two very important skills to have. A journalist knows how to create and sustain a mutually beneficial relationship with people, which includes building trust while also understanding how to navigate the complicated bureaucracy that shrouds good stories. This is true for a journalist writing a story, or a photojournalist capturing a story in images, or a broadcast reporter following leads and reporting what they learn.
Rodger Johnson: Writing and photography, or videography, or having all three are important hard skills to have. One's writing needs to be impeccable, not just in mechanics, but in how the journalist writes to objectively inform and to move the emotions of their readers.

University of New Mexico
Department of Communication and Journalism
Kate Cunningham: As you can imagine, journalism has become more and more digital, and technical skills play more of a role than they did just a few years ago. For example, if you understand the basics of publishing using a content management system, that's an advantage. If you can add good quality and well-edited video to your online news story, that's an advantage too. Video, for example, helps you add new dimensions to your story and brings in new audience members. We know some people will watch a video and not read a story and vice versa.
Other important technical skills include knowing how to use spreadsheets to analyze data.

Fairfield University
College of Arts & Sciences
Matt Tullis: Journalism graduates need to know how to shoot and edit videos. It doesn't matter if they're going to work at a newspaper or a website or a TV station. They need to be able to shoot and edit videos and do it well. We live in a visual world now, and those are skills every journalist needs.
Matt Tullis: Anyone who wants to do journalism professionally has to be able to talk with people, all sorts of people. They have to be a self-starter; someone who sees an idea and will go after it immediately. And they need to network, even while they are still in college. Follow the journalists you would like to emulate on Twitter. Reach out to them and tell them who you are. And anytime someone from the journalism industry comes to campus, go to their events and talk with them if possible.