News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

These media professionals spend their days investigating, observing, and interviewing sources to gather and process information. They identify key events, analyze data, and interpret complex information to make it understandable for the public. Writing, speaking, and active listening are essential skills, as is the ability to think critically and manage time under tight deadlines.

This career strongly appeals to individuals with artistic interests who enjoy creative expression. Success in this field requires deep knowledge of the English language, communications, media, and telecommunications. Journalists must also understand law, government, and geography to report accurately. Day-to-day tasks require working with computers, documenting details, and building strong interpersonal relationships with sources outside their organizations. Key work styles for this role include integrity, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and high stress tolerance.

Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree along with several years of related experience. Students preparing for this career often choose college majors such as journalism, communication and media studies, radio, television, and digital communication, public relations, advertising, and applied communication, or agricultural public services.

Because this occupation requires considerable preparation, aspiring journalists usually build their portfolios through student media, internships, or entry-level writing and broadcasting roles. This hands-on experience helps candidates develop the necessary communication, social perceptiveness, and complex problem-solving skills required by employers in print, broadcast, and digital media organizations.

The median annual pay for news analysts, reporters, and journalists is $62,200. Earnings vary significantly based on experience, location, and the employing organization, with the lowest 10% earning less than $36,240 and the highest 10% earning more than $144,140.

There are 39,250 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -5.9%. Despite this decline, the industry is still projected to have 3,400 job openings each year.