Journalist: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Journalist do?

A Journalist researches, writes, and reports news stories across a variety of media channels. They gather information, interview sources, and craft narratives that inform, engage, and sometimes entertain the public. Journalists play a critical role in maintaining a well-informed society by covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, culture, sports, and current events.

They ensure accuracy, fairness, and clarity in their reporting, often working under tight deadlines. Journalists may specialize in a particular type of journalism, such as investigative, broadcast, or digital media.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Journalists in the Creative field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Research and pitch new story ideas to editors and producers.
• Gather information from various sources, including personal interviews and public databases.
• Write and edit news articles, feature stories, and reports with clarity and factual accuracy.
• Stay current with trends and news developments, and build a network of contacts for source gathering.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards in reporting.
• Collaborate with other reporters, editors, and producers to refine story details and presentation.
• Use social media and other digital platforms to disseminate content and engage with viewers or readers.

How to Become a Journalist

Launching a career as a Journalist requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field.
• Experience in journalism or related media field; internships or previous reporting experience highly desirable.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with a good understanding of journalistic standards and ethics.
• Proficiency with digital publishing tools and platforms, including social media.
• Ability to shoot and edit video is advantageous for multimedia journalists.

Requirements & Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with sources, colleagues, and the public.
• Investigative skills to dig deeper into stories and verify information.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Adaptability to work irregular hours and travel as needed for assignments.

Journalist Salary Guide

Wondering what Journalists earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Journalist in the U.S. is approximately $48,560 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Journalists may receive a wide range of benefits.

Journalist Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$60,700
Senior	11+ years	$53,416
Experienced	6-10 years	$48,560
Mid Level	3-5 years	$43,704
Entry Level	0-2 years	$36,420

How to Advance Your Career

Journalists can progress to roles such as senior reporters, editors, or correspondents with experience. Opportunities for specialization in a beat or advancement into managerial roles are common. Some journalists transition into other forms of writing, public relations, or communications strategy roles in various industries. Continuous learning and adapting to new media technologies are crucial for career advancement.

Typical Work Environment

Journalists work in newsrooms, offices, or remotely, depending on their assignments. They frequently travel to locations where news is happening, which can include traveling to different cities or countries, covering conflicts, natural disasters, or community events. The job can involve long hours, especially when covering ongoing stories or when working to meet deadlines.