How to hire a photojournalist/editor

How to hire a photojournalist/editor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step photojournalist/editor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a photojournalist/editor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new photojournalist/editor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The photojournalist/editor hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a photojournalist/editor to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a photojournalist/editor that fits the bill.

   This list presents photojournalist/editor salaries for various positions.

   Type of Photojournalist/Editor	Description	Hourly rate
   Photojournalist/Editor	Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts inform the public about news and events happening internationally, nationally, and locally. They report the news for newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.	$15-40
   Sports Reporter	Sports Reporters gather appropriate information for writing and sharing sports news. They attend sporting events and interview sports personalities, such as athletes and coaches.	$32-65
   Correspondent	A Correspondent is the backbone of every news agency today. It is through the correspondent experts write the news of a particular topic... Show more	$24-64

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Edit Video
   • Photojournalist
   • Photography
   • Live Shots
   • ABC
   • Audio Board
   • Live Truck
   • Videography
   • Studio Cameras
   • Edit News Stories
   • Adobe Premiere
   • Conduct Interviews
   • Adobe Photoshop
   • Voice Overs

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage international man-made fiber market research/publishing company and supervise editorial content and sales of industry statistical journal.
   • Create Facebook page for newspaper.
   • Involve in the testing & prototype phase of Sony's first non-linear editing system.
   • Set up and operate ENG microwave trucks and equipment on- location in all weather conditions.
   • Produce nat sound stories on gun violence, homelessness, education and more for show purposes.
   • Cut news clips, stories and interviews about sports, music and entertainment under tight and changing deadlines.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your photojournalist/editor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A photojournalist/editor can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, photojournalist/editors' average salary in hawaii is 39% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level photojournalist/editors 62% less than senior-level photojournalist/editors.
   • Certifications. A photojournalist/editor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a photojournalist/editor's salary.

   Average photojournalist/editor salary

   $52,402yearly

   $25.19 hourly rate

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   Entry-level photojournalist/editor salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

4. Writing a photojournalist/editor job description

   A photojournalist/editor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a photojournalist/editor job description:

   Photojournalist/editor job description example

   KCEN, the TEGNA station covering Waco, Temple and Killeen is seeking a full-time photojournalist / editor who is passionate about great storytelling, moment capturing and collaborative teamwork.
   
   We want a photojournalist who is a self-starter that can tell stories on their own or with a reporter and at the same time…create different and compelling content on all platforms including broadcast, digital and social media.
   
   They are proficient and familiar with the latest technology and tools for news gathering, live shots and story / show editing.
   Responsibilities:
   
   Capture video / sound / moments that help create memorable stories.
   
   Meet daily and short-term deadlines when covering news, spot news, sports, weather and feature stories.
   
   Operate a 4G live unit (TVU & Dejero) when assigned.
   
   Show edit / associate produce newscasts when needed.
   
   Create social media / content for all of our digital platforms.
   
   Be a voice. Attend editorial meetings and bring story ideas to the table.
   
   Be prepared to work solo or be assigned in a team for assignment.
   
   Take your content to the next level by creating informative graphics to enhance stories for our viewers.
   
   Job Requirements:
   
   Requirements:
   
   BA/BS in journalism, communications or related field preferred.
   
   Experience in photojournalism, editing, and newscast editing.
   
   Must be flexible with schedule including shift changes / weekends / holidays and dependable and reliable.
   
   Member and active participant in NPPA a plus.
   
   Demonstrated news judgment, writing skills, lighting, photography experience, and non-linear editing skills.
   
   Knowledge of EDIUS, Adobe Premiere or any Non-Linear base editing system preferred.
   
   Organizational skills and the ability to work under constant time pressure deadlines.
   
   Ability to calmly handle live, breaking news situations and changing events.
   
   Edit newscasts / associate produce when needed.
   
   Work Environment: Outdoors
   
   Physical Demands: Light work
   
   Travel: Occasionally: 10-25%
   
   Work Environment Set: Outdoors: performed in various outdoor environmental conditions
   
   Physical Demands Set: Light work: Involves sitting most of the time, walking, lifting, bending, standing, etc.
   
   About TEGNA
   
   TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network and Quest. TEGNA Marketing Solutions (TMS) offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNA's OTT advertising service. For more information, visit
   
   URL blocked - click to apply
   
   .
   
   TEGNA requires all employees to be fully vaccinated (as defined by the CDC) against the coronavirus.
   
   EEO statement:
   
   TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We encourage and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, veteran status or genetic information. TEGNA complies with all applicable laws related to accommodations.
   
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5. Post your job

   To find photojournalist/editors for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any photojournalist/editors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level photojournalist/editors with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your photojournalist/editor job on Zippia to find and attract quality photojournalist/editor candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with photojournalist/editor candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new photojournalist/editor

   Once you've decided on a perfect photojournalist/editor candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new photojournalist/editor. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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