How to Become a Journalist / Reporter
Report and tell the stories that keep the public informed, across print, broadcast, and digital newsrooms. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $62,200 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$62,200/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
4,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Reporting
- Interviewing
- Writing
- Fact-Checking
- Deadline Management
Helpful certifications
- Newsroom internships and a published portfolio
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Journalist / Reporter make?
The median pay for a Journalist / Reporter is $62,200 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Journalist / Reporter?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Journalism, Communications, English, and Political Science.
Is Journalist / Reporter a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 4,100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Journalist / Reporter use most?
Common skills for this role are Reporting, Interviewing, Writing, Fact-Checking, and Deadline Management.
Planning to become a Journalist / Reporter?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.