What News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists this way: "Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers"; "Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs"; "Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members"; "Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information"; "Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 47,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 44,300 in 2035, a decrease of 2,800 jobs (-5.9%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 3,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 16.8% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $62,200, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $98,636 in New York to $98,668 in New Jersey, a gap of $32 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $62,200 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 5,820, which is 50.2% of the 11,590 counted across them. New York follows with 5,770.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($98,668) and New York ($98,636) lead the ranking, while New York ($98,636) and New Jersey ($98,668) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (27-3000) include Editors and Public Relations Specialists.
Frequently asked questions about News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
How much do News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $62,200. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $98,636 to $98,668.
Which state pays News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $98,668. New York is next at $98,636.
Is News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 5.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 3,400 openings a year.
What education do News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.