How to become news analysts, reporters, and journalistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Writing & Media Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$62,200

25th–75th pct. $45,370–$98,450

Top pay (est.)

$187,400

Top 10% $144,140

Pay in 5 years

$68,800est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$76,000est.

$65,400–$88,200

Outlook score

35/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

66%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−5.9%

3,400 openings / yr

How to become news analysts, reporters, and journalists

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Key skills

Writing

4.4

Active Listening

4.4

Reading Comprehension

4.4

Speaking

4.2

Critical Thinking

4.2

Active Learning

4.0

Social Perceptiveness

3.9

Monitoring

3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Communications and Media

5.4

English Language

5.3

Computers and Electronics

4.6

Customer and Personal Service

3.7

Geography

3.1

Law and Government

2.9

Telecommunications

2.9

Administrative

2.8

What the work involves

Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAnalyzing Data or InformationGetting InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public

Important abilities

Written ExpressionOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningFluency of Ideas

Training before entry

None / short demo

34%

Up to 1 month

28%

1–3 months

19%

3–6 months

10%

6–12 months

1–2 years

2–4 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

28%

2–4 years

24%

1–3 months

15%

6–12 months

11%

3–6 months

10%

8–10 years

6–8 years

Up to 1 month

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as news analysts, reporters, and journalists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Editors Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material.	$77,920	42/100	68%
2	Interpreters and Translators Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.	$60,170	52/100	57%
3	Writers and Authors Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.	$76,910	48/100	77%
4	Technical Writers Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions.	$90,390	40/100	75%
5	Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media.	$47,340	33/100	64%
6	Media and Communication Workers, All Other All media and communication workers not listed separately.	$73,620	60/100	45%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.