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News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeLower pressure

What they do

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

Kinds of work

  • Artistic: Creating, designing and expressing ideas through art, writing, music or performance.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Enterprising: Leading, persuading, selling and starting new projects or businesses.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $62,200 Median per year · $29.91/hr Most earn $36,240–$144,140

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.
  • Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
  • Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.
  • Take pictures or video, and process them for inclusion in a story.
  • Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.

Job outlook

United States
6% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 3,400 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Newspaper publishers28.0%
  • Media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers20.8%
  • Television broadcasting stations17.9%
  • Self-employed (their own business)16.8%
  • Radio broadcasting stations3.7%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Some remote workExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

News reporting usually isn't an entry-level job straight out of school. Most people earn a bachelor's degree, then spend about 1 to 2 years in an entry-level writing or newsroom role before reporting on their own.

  1. Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or English

    4 years

    You build core skills in writing, research, interviewing, and media law, and you usually gain campus media experience that employers look for.

  2. Staff Writer

    1-2 years

    You write articles, practice fact-checking and deadlines, and build a portfolio of published work that shows you can report.

  3. News Reporter

    Ongoing once you start

    You gather information through interviews and investigation, then write or deliver news stories for your outlet.

Where it can lead

  1. Editor

    2-4 years of experience first

    You shift from reporting your own stories to planning coverage, guiding other writers, and checking their work for accuracy and clarity.

  2. Producer

    2-4 years of experience first

    In broadcast or digital news, you organize stories, guests, and segments and coordinate the team that puts them on air or online.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take English and writing classesStrong writing is the core skill of reporting, and English classes give you practice with clear, structured essays.
  • Join the school newspaper, yearbook, or broadcast clubWorking on real deadlines teaches you how news gets gathered, written, and published.
  • Volunteer to write for a local community newsletter or websitePublished pieces, even small ones, start a portfolio you can show to future employers or college admissions.
  • Enter a school or regional writing contestCompetitions give you feedback from judges and something to list on applications.
  • Get a starter job with flexible hours, like a library or front-desk jobCustomer contact helps you practice listening, asking good questions, and speaking with strangers.

In college

  • Major in journalism or communications, or minor in a subject you want to coverA subject focus, such as science, politics, or business, makes you a stronger reporter for a specific beat.
  • Write or produce for the campus newspaper or radio stationRegular bylines and deadlines build the portfolio and experience that entry-level newsroom jobs ask for.
  • Apply for a summer internship at a local newspaper, TV station, or news websiteHands-on newsroom work shows you the daily routine and helps you make professional contacts.
  • Take a multimedia or data classSkills in video, audio, or data journalism make you more flexible when applying for jobs.
  • Take a campus job in a writing or communications officeWriting press releases or newsletters builds clear, fast writing habits and shows employers you can meet deadlines.

Tips for getting started

  • Start a writing portfolio now, with school newspaper stories, blog posts, or short videos. Editors hire people based on samples of their work.
  • Practice interviewing people and taking clear, accurate notes. Ask a teacher or friend for feedback after each interview.
  • Read news daily from a mix of sources and notice how reporters structure their stories. This helps you learn the style of news writing.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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