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Job outlook for multimedia specialists in the United States
Are multimedia specialist jobs in demand?
Multimedia specialist job and salary trends over time
Multimedia specialist jobs over time
Multimedia specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,327 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,670 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,927 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,864 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,943 | 0.00% |
Average multimedia specialist salary over time
Multimedia specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $52,299 | $25.14 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $50,664 | $24.36 | +3.8% |
| 2024 | $48,813 | $23.47 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $47,473 | $22.82 | +8.0% |
| 2022 | $43,953 | $21.13 | +2.1% |
Multimedia specialist jobs by state
Most common states for multimedia specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 105 | 15% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 239 | 8% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 140 | 7% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 50 | 7% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 43 | 7% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 42 | 7% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 470 | 6% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 53 | 6% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 48 | 6% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 473 | 5% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 376 | 5% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 307 | 5% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 199 | 5% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 149 | 5% |
| 15 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 71 | 5% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 68 | 5% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 52 | 5% |
| 18 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 50 | 5% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 511 | 4% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 109 | 4% |
Most common cities for multimedia specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield | 1 | 3% | $49,384 |
| 2 | Gainesville | 3 | 2% | $42,519 |
| 3 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $65,948 |
| 4 | Pensacola | 1 | 2% | $42,473 |
| 5 | Carmel | 1 | 1% | $49,106 |
| 6 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $35,271 |
| 7 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $76,437 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $36,550 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $66,581 |
| 10 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $36,766 |
| 11 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $55,640 |
| 12 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $53,005 |
| 13 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $42,882 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $61,716 |
Multimedia Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of multimedia specialist experts
Grand Valley State University
San Francisco State University
University of Texas at Tyler
Hope College
Des Moines
University of Texas at Austin
California State University - Sacramento
Plymouth State University
University of Detroit Mercy
University of North Florida
Weber State University
Augsburg University
University of the Pacific
College of New Jersey, The
University of Baltimore
University of Cincinnati- Clermont College
Duquesne University
What general advice would you give to a Multimedia Specialist?
Mr. Daniel Routh: More and more companies want to expand their presence on social media, and someone with good video, photography, writing, and spoken communication skills is in demand. Someone who communicates well also has potential for leadership and promotion, especially in HR and PR fields.
What Multimedia Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alice Veksler Ph.D., BCPA: Practice your interpersonal skills and think about how what you have learned in your coursework translates to your chosen field of work. Teamwork, conflict resolution, social media savvy, and professionalism can make or break a career. Being able to articulate and demonstrate mastery of these skills with concrete examples during an interview can help land the job and then embodying the skillset of an excellent communicator will lead to professional success. Networking is also key so making sure that you do internships and engage with others in your chosen field helps with securing a job. Forging connections early in one's career can pay massive dividends down the road. We say that 'you get jobs by talking to people' and this maxim is especially true for a broad field like communication studies. Finally, I always encourage a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout and maximize productivity.
What Multimedia Specialist 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 Multimedia Specialists 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 general advice would you give to a Multimedia Specialist?
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 Multimedia Specialist 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.
Dr. David Scott
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Texas at Tyler
Social Sciences
What Multimedia Specialist 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 Multimedia Specialists 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).
Dr. David Supp-Montgomerie
Associate Professor of InstructionDes Moines
Communication And Media Studies
What Multimedia Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. David Supp-Montgomerie: 1. AI Integration: The rise of AI is transforming communication strategies, making it essential for specialists to be familiar with these technologies. 2. High Demand: There is a growing need for skilled communicators who can navigate new technologies and enhance engagement across various platforms. 3. Career Growth: Entering the field now positions individuals at the forefront of technological advancements, offering substantial career growth opportunities.
What will help Multimedia Specialists 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
Miguel Bota
Associate Professor of SpanishCalifornia State University - Sacramento
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What will help Multimedia Specialists increase their earning potential?
Miguel Bota: Have confidence in the relevance of the skills you've acquired as a humanities/world languages major. Your multifaceted perspective makes you highly valuable in today's job market.
Being bilingual/multilingual enhances your flexibility, empathy, analytical skills, and ability to collaborate effectively.
What Multimedia Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Annette Holba: One of the most important changes happening in the communication industry right now is the dawn of AI and its impact to our professions and our personal lives. Understanding what AI is, does, and means and developing skills sets around this knowledge is critical to the future of all kinds of employment especially in the near future. The impact from AI to all of the fields in the communication industry is unavoidable. Whether working with various forms of communication technologies (podcasting, broadcasting, making films, or being a journalist) or engaging in interpersonal communication in an organization (managing people, leading organizational change, working in human resources, or being a sales associate, for example) in person or virtual, AI will play a role in those interactions. Learning how to understand and navigate AI in the workforce will be essential for anyone starting their career. Not being afraid of it and learning how AI can benefit one in the workforce is key to staying relevant and navigating the nuisances of this expansive integrative experience.
What Multimedia Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Cassilo: There are so many ways to communicate with an audience through digital platforms. As such, being a communication specialist allows someone to showcase a lot of skills. Clear and effective communication is so vital for any organization. There are many opportunities to enter the field.
What will help Multimedia Specialists increase their earning potential?
David Cassilo: A communication specialist will see their role vary by organization, but at most places, this individual will help an organization maintain relationships with both the media and the public. Duties are extensive and can include creating press releases, running social media accounts, authoring written content and coordinating events. No day is likely the same for a communication specialist.
What Multimedia Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Brandi Denison Ph.D.: I recommend that students seek out volunteer opportunities and get involved on campus in some capacity. Students who have demonstrated leadership through extracurricular activities, in addition to their excellent academic record, tend to have more opportunities after graduation. I also recommend that graduates network with a wide range of people while they are in school.
Michael Ault Ph.D.
Director of Master of Professional Communication, Associate Professor of CommunicationWeber State University
Communication And Media Studies
What general advice would you give to a Multimedia Specialist?
Michael Ault Ph.D.: Asking what a communication specialist does is kind of like asking what a Mom does. We can do a little bit of everything. Communication specialists are often hired as managers and supervisors, social media managers, public relations staff and leaders, family councilors, educators, journalists, and just about any other industry you can think of.
M. Elise Marubbio
Professor, American Indian, First Nations and Indigenous StudiesAugsburg University
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What will help Multimedia Specialists increase their earning potential?
M. Elise Marubbio: I would always suggest that students learn about and network in the area that they are interested in--do internships and interviews with organizational leaders they admire to show their interest and commitment to the field. I would also always remind them that their experiences matter and that skills such as communication, focus on detail, love of learning, commitment to bringing their best selves to the table are incredibly important soft skills that potential hiring folks really need and want. I would also challenge them to remember that the first job is a first step in a life-long learning and growing pathway, which means that the skills and knowledge they learn now will be added to and honed as they go along.
Mark Alberta
University of the Pacific
Communication And Media Studies
What Multimedia Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Alberta: Above all, critical thinking will be something that remains universally relevant. But, more specific to Communications, adaptability to technology and an understanding of digital/visual communications will prove advantageous as we continue to see technology evolve. Social media, PR, advertising, filmmaking, podcasting all heavily rely on an awareness of today's digital culture and depend on media literacy. Keep an eye on culture's paradigm shifts, how we are now a 24/7 information-gathering culture, how we expect immediacy from content. It doesn't hurt to anticipate the future, such as getting familiar with A.I. technologies, Augmented/Virtual reality, etc...
Yachao Li
Assistant Professor of Communication Studies and Public HealthCollege of New Jersey, The
Public Health
What general advice would you give to a Multimedia Specialist?
Yachao Li: Communication Specialist is an excellent profession to enter now for several reasons. First, the
role offers tremendous versatility, as communication skills are universally valuable across
industries and sectors. Communication specialists can work in various fields such as marketing,
public relations, corporate communication, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and
more. This versatility opens a wide range of career paths and opportunities for growth, allowing
them to explore different areas and find the best fit for their interests and strengths.
In addition, there is a consistently high demand for skilled communication professionals in
today's competitive landscape. Effective communication is essential for organizations to
succeed, as they need to craft compelling messages, manage brand reputation, and engage
audiences across different channels. With the ever-increasing importance of digital platforms and
social media, the need for professionals who can navigate these spaces and deliver clear,
consistent, and impactful communication has never been greater. Communication specialists
possess the skills to help organizations achieve their communication goals, making them an
important asset in the job market.
Finally, the role of a communication specialist is constantly evolving given the rapid changes in
technology and consumer behavior. This dynamic nature of the profession ensures that they will
always have opportunities to learn and grow, adapting to new communication trends and
strategies. Whether it is mastering the art of storytelling, leveraging data-driven insights, or
harnessing the power of emerging platforms, a career as a communication specialist offers a
continuous learning curve that keeps this profession engaged and relevant.
What will help Multimedia Specialists increase their earning potential?
Yachao Li: A communication specialist's day-to-day responsibilities are very diverse and dynamic, which
requires creativity, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills. Their daily tasks also
vary based on their specific role and the organization they work for.
For example, they may spend time researching industry trends, target audience preferences, and
competitor strategies, analyzing data to identify communication opportunities or challenges. In
addition, content creation is also a significant part of their role, involving writing articles, blog
posts, social media updates, press releases, or designing visual content such as infographics or
videos, as well as scripting speeches or presentations for executives. Moreover, communication
specialists often liaise with journalists, bloggers, and other media representatives, pitching
stories, arranging interviews, and managing press releases while maintaining media lists and
building relationships with key contacts.
Social media management is another crucial aspect, where they are responsible for managing
accounts, creating content calendars, engaging with followers, and monitoring conversations
related to their organization or brand. Furthermore, facilitating internal communication within
the organization is also part of their tasks. This includes drafting newsletters, organizing town
hall meetings, or managing intranet platforms to ensure employees are informed about company
updates, policies, and initiatives. During times of crisis or negative publicity, communication
specialists play a crucial role in managing the organization's reputation by developing crisis
communication plans, drafting statements, and coordinating responses across various channels.
Depending on the organization, communication specialists may also be involved in planning and
coordinating events such as product launches, press conferences, or industry conferences, which
include logistics management, promotion, and ensuring smooth execution. They often measure
the effectiveness of their communication efforts through metrics such as website traffic, social
media engagement, or media mentions, compiling reports to assess performance and identify
areas for improvement. Last, staying updated with the latest communication tools, technologies,
and best practices is crucial, which may involve reading industry publications, attending
workshops or webinars, and networking with peers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Megan Rhee
Assistant Professor, Klein Family School of Communications DesignUniversity of Baltimore
Graphic Communications
What Multimedia Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Megan Rhee: So much is changing, and rapidly, as we are living in Industry 4.0 that it's hard to know what will be more important in the field in the near future. But I look to those skill sets that transcend the technology changes or trends - active listening, critical thinking, storytelling, understanding of audience, empathy, accessibility, flexibility, creativity, time management, etc. - as all the more critical. At the University of Baltimore we've been teaching integrated design for a long time now and I think that integration is key. Silos don't work, so knowing how to integrate your skills - especially in communication, design, and planning - to any field is invaluable. A communication design or integrated design degree sets you up for more than one job title or trajectory and in multiple industries. Being interested in other areas outside of your discipline and looking for ways to make connections and integrate teams and systems will have significant ongoing value in the field. And I do think writing continues to be a skill that will be more and more crucial. We're changing our language and the way we communicate all the time. We aren't going to lose our need to write well, but instead are going to have to use stronger writing skills to complement and enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence. Writing in plain language, structured writing and storytelling all become more prevalent as we move into more integrated uses of AI in our daily work.
Dr. Andy Curran
Professor, Area CoordinatorUniversity of Cincinnati- Clermont College
Digital Media Communications
What hard/technical skills are most important for Multimedia Specialists?
Dr. Andy Curran: -File management
-Computer literacy skills
-Software proficiency
What hard/technical skills are most important for Multimedia Specialists?
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 Multimedia Specialists 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 skills stand out on Multimedia Specialist 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.