Salary for a Career in Journalism
Journalists can be employed in a variety of roles, from print to broadcast to public relations, and also work in a variety of settings, including in newsrooms, overseas and in sports. The field of journalism encompasses newspapers, magazines, television, Internet and other media outlets. The salary range for a journalist varies depending on the type of journalism and setting and salary numbers often include extras like benefits, vacations days and bonuses.
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Income
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Because journalism does include several fields, the salary range varies from field to field. As of 2010, the overall average salary for a journalist ran $41,000 a year, according to Simply Hired. Broken down by field, a newspaper reporter earns about $29,000 a year, copy editors make about $45,000 a year and a marketing communications manager brings in around $62,000 a year, as of 2008. Within each field the salary range can differ depending on years of experience and position held. Entry-level reporters will make significantly less than news writers or editors who have more experience and hold higher positions.
Benefits
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Besides an income, journalists can also receive other perks in the form of health insurance and other benefits. Journalists who work for larger newspapers, magazines, television stations or marketing firms have a better chance of receiving health benefits. According to PayScale, 69 percent of journalists received medical health benefits, 49 percent got dental insurance and 35 percent had vision insurance. Journalists who do not receive health benefits from an employer, like self-employed freelance writers, still can purchase discounted health insurance from journalism associations, including the Society of Professional Journalists.
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Bonuses
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Journalists in certain fields also have the opportunity to earn bonuses and commissions for their work. In 2010, journalists earned an extra $400 to $4,800 a year in bonuses and commissions. High-caliber journalists can earn extra money through awards and contests, like the Society of Professional Journalists Eugene S. Pulliam First Amendment Award that gives out a $10,000 prize each year to an outstanding journalist.
Considerations
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Along with income, potential journalists should also take into consideration the work environment for journalists. Depending on the field of journalism, a journalist can often expect to work long hours and during off times like nights and weekends. Reporters and copy editors work on deadlines and can experience stressful work environments. Public relations and marketing communications can also be high-stress industries. Some journalists travel frequently, meaning time away from home and family and overseas correspondents can find themselves traveling to dangerous areas of the world and reporting in hazardous conditions.
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References
- Photo Credit Journalism image by Zhanat Abylkassym from Fotolia.com
