How to Become a News Reporter

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions may want to get a bachelor’s degree in communication, writing, or journalism. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a masters degree along with real world experience can help you stand out in the hiring process. Learn more by clicking our “Education Required” tab up top.

Begin your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited schools below that offer programs to help get you started as a news reporter.

How Much Does a News Reporter Make?
$37,090 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab)

Expected growth from 2012-2020:
-7,200 fewer people employed

Specialization Options:
Broadcasting, corresponding, analyst, and meteorology.

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS)

Discover the Best Places to Become a News Reporter

California, New York and Florida offer the greatest number of employment opportunities in the field, with New York leading the way in terms of annual mean salary at $54,820. However, the highest concentration of jobs still falls in our Capital at Washington D.C, averaging a yearly mean salary of $72,580, but the competition in the area is significant.

News analysts, reporters, and correspondents hold about 69,300 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most worked for newspaper, magazine, book, and directory publishers, while editors hold about 127,200 jobs. Newspapers, periodicals, books, and directory publishers employ approximately 45% of all editors.

Salary and Employment Information for News Reporters

Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career in News Reporting. All data is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a highly credible government agency.

Why Become a News Reporter?

While the newspaper business has taken a hit in recent years, the industry belated migration to publishing papers online is saving all the traditions of newspapers and newspaper reporters, except maybe the paper.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become a News Reporter

  • History of Journalism
  • Craft of Journalism
  • Narrative Journalism
  • Features Writing
  • Editing
  • Copyediting
  • Investigative Reporting
  • Interactive Journalism
  • Sports Reporting
  • Social Media and Journalism

Degree Options for News Reporting Careers

Certificate
A Certificate in Professional Writing is typically a three to six-course program designed to strengthen workplace written communication skills. It also can prepare students for a career as a professional writer.

Bachelor’s Degree
Many schools offer bachelor’s degree in both writing and journalism  Often there is overlap between these curricula.  Many online and print publications look for recent grads with writing and journalism majors.

Master’s Degree & MFA
When it comes to a master’s degree in the writing and journalism space, there are none more honored than the Master of Fine Arts in Writing and the famed J-school degree so many successful journalist have received.  Each degree is important in honing writing, analytic and creative skills that can be transferred to the professional world.