The Salary of a Travel Journalist
Travel journalists and writers craft a diverse variety of written content used in a number of formats that can be listened to, read or viewed online. Although many individuals write self-published articles, stories or blog posts, only travel writers who are paid primarily to write or edit travel-focused material are considered travel journalists, authors or writers.
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Salaried Writer Income
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The median annual income of news writers, reporters and correspondents was $34,850, according to May 2008 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Writers in the middle 50 percent earned between $25,760 and $52,160. The lowest 10 percent of earners received $20,180 or less. Those in the top 10 percent earned in excess of $77,480.
Median annual wages for salaried authors and writers, as of May 2008 were $53,070. The middle 50 percent received compensation between $38,150 and $75,060. Writers and authors in the lowest 10 percent received $28,020 or less. Accomplished writers in the top 10 percent earned more than $106,630. Travel writers work for diverse types of publications. Median annual wages for those working in advertising and public relations were $58,740. Writers employed by newspapers, book, periodical and directory publishers earned an average annual income of $43,450.
Mutiple Sources Of Income
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Freelance travel writers and journalists earn income from articles and books. The majority of freelance travel writers work on an individual project basis for multiple publishers. They may have a specific assignment or write articles or travel reviews which they submit to various publications for acceptance or rejection. Many writers work salaried jobs in another segment of the publishing industry and write freelance travel articles to supplement their income. Travel writers may choose to write stories or advertising copy about tourism destinations in their own local area or travel around the world, "weaving words" that describe exotic locations, foreign cultures and their own personal travel adventures. Freelance income is unpredictable. Annual income is dependent on the writer's skills, experience, established reputation and employer. Many travel writers are self-published. Their income is dependent on book or article sales.
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Freelance income
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Freelance travel writers, writing copy for short, online articles, earn approximately $20 for 400 to 500 word pieces. Travel writers, successfully submitting 1000 to 1500 word articles to major print publishers, can earn from $150 to $1,500 for each accepted submission. Freelancers are typically paid per word, for a length specified assignment. They are only paid upon acceptance of the article for publication.
Qualifications
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Merely writing articles about your travel adventures does not make one a travel journalist or author. Paid publication provides validation. Although not mandatory, a college degree in journalism, communications or English is generally required for a salaried position as a travel journalist or writer. Candidates from other fields, demonstrating superior writing skills may be considered. Competition for positions as a salaried travel journalist is keen. Travel writers with an advanced secondary degree, extensive writing experience and an established reputation, receive preference in hiring and earn the highest pay.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are required to communicate effectively with sources and editors while working on assignments, whether from a home office or while traveling in pursuit of a story. Computer and photography skills are integral to travel journalism. The majority of travel editors require original photos submitted with each travel article.
Job Description
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Travel journalists and writers engage in extensive research on their travel topics, which they gather through interviews, library and Internet research, and personal observation. Freelance travel journalists typically pay their own travel, living accommodation, meals and out-of-pocket expenses. The cost of these expenditures can substantially reduce a travel journalist's annual income.
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References
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