Reporter/Journalist

Print

Work Tasks

• Collect information and write stories to tell the public about events that happen all over the world
• Travel to places where news is happening; work long hours to meet deadlines
• Take notes and use tape recorders to collect facts
• May broadcast the news stories on TV or radio or write them for newspapers and magazines
• Work in offices or on the scene for newspapers, magazines, wire services, and radio and TV stations
• Work with wire service data, teletype machines, public records, tape recorders, library research materials, personal interviews, computers/Internet

Salary, Size & Growth

• $46,500 average per year ($22.25 per hour)
• A medium occupation (45,100 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in journalism or mass communications, plus reporting experience
• Employers Prefer: A master's or Ph.D. in journalism or other subject, such as political science, business, or economics, plus reporting experience
• Skills/Courses: College courses include computer technology, mass media, reporting, history of journalism, press law and ethics, and radio and TV production.