News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
News analysts, reporters, and journalists research, investigate, and write or narrate stories for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and online media. They gather information through interviews, observation, and document analysis, then shape findings into news articles, commentaries, or broadcast segments. Work takes place in newsrooms, offices, or in the field.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against news analysts, reporters, and journalists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves researching story leads, conducting interviews with sources, and reviewing documents or data. Reporters attend news conferences or events to gather information firsthand. Time is split between fieldwork and desk work—writing articles, editing copy, fact-checking details, and meeting publication deadlines. Broadcast journalists may also record audio or video segments. Breaking news can shift priorities quickly, requiring flexible scheduling.
Who this work suits
Holland code AIE. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you're driven to uncover and examine information thoroughly, with strong curiosity about how things work and why. You're comfortable with creative writing and storytelling while maintaining accuracy, and you enjoy the investigative process of piecing together complex stories from multiple sources.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $81,550 | $105,390 | $160,330 | 1,720 |
| New York | $77,860 | $100,770 | $162,020 | 5,750 |
| Georgia | $46,700 | $81,910 | $100,560 | 1,520 |
| Nevada | $55,530 | $78,550 | $99,990 | 370 |
| Rhode Island | $48,440 | $74,570 | $76,150 | 150 |
| Maryland | $46,140 | $63,680 | $85,400 | 580 |
| Michigan | $38,980 | $62,760 | $98,390 | 960 |
| Tennessee | $33,020 | $62,390 | $79,110 | 600 |
| Virginia | $46,400 | $62,140 | $105,680 | 1,110 |
| Utah | $48,010 | $61,880 | $83,630 | 240 |
| Connecticut | $47,150 | $61,620 | $104,280 | 470 |
| Colorado | $45,170 | $60,770 | $78,160 | 590 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) — American Meteorological Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against news analysts, reporters, and journalists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-3023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.