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Automotive Journalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$80K - $104K/yr

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions. May include evening or weekend work ... Four (4) years of experience working in public relations, communications, direct media, journalism ...

This is an opportunity to redefine how trusted automotive journalism connects to real-world decisions in an evolving search landscape. About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is one of the ...

This is an opportunity to redefine how trusted automotive journalism connects to real-world decisions in an evolving search landscape. About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?) Hearst Magazines is one of the ...

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Automotive Journalist information

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$30K

$61K

$131K

How much do automotive journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive journalist in the United States is $60,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is journalism a shrinking field?

Automotive journalism is experiencing changes due to digital media and online platforms, but demand for automotive content remains steady as consumers seek reviews and industry insights. Journalists in this field often need strong writing skills, industry knowledge, and familiarity with multimedia tools. While traditional print media has declined, digital outlets continue to create opportunities for automotive journalists.

How do you become an automotive journalist?

To become an automotive journalist, you typically need a background in journalism, communications, or automotive technology, along with strong writing and reporting skills. Gaining experience through internships, contributing to automotive publications, and developing expertise in vehicle reviews and industry trends are important steps. Familiarity with automotive tools, industry knowledge, and a passion for cars are also beneficial.

What does an automotive journalist do?

An automotive journalist researches, reviews, and writes about cars, automotive technology, and the automotive industry. They may test drive vehicles, attend industry events, interview experts, and produce articles, videos, or podcasts for magazines, newspapers, websites, or broadcast media. Their goal is to inform and engage readers or viewers about new models, trends, safety features, and other automotive topics, often providing critical analysis and comparisons to help consumers make informed decisions.

What Does an Automotive Journalist Do?

The job duties of an automotive journalist involve reporting on and producing news stories about the auto industry. In this career, you write about car models and engine design, new automotive products on the market, auto production and business news, and other trends and events in the industry. Your responsibilities can vary depending on the media outlet for which you work. Some magazines or websites expect car journalists to produce feature stories and interview industry stakeholders, while others expect journalists to publish news stories daily. You work with an editor who assigns stories and edits each draft of your articles.

What are some common challenges Automotive Journalists face when balancing objectivity and enthusiasm in their reviews?

Automotive Journalists often encounter the challenge of maintaining objectivity while expressing genuine enthusiasm for vehicles. Since readers value both expert analysis and engaging storytelling, it's important to provide fair, unbiased evaluations—even when personal preferences come into play. Balancing technical accuracy with accessible language, and ensuring transparency about any industry relationships or test conditions, are key to building trust with your audience. Most teams encourage open discussion and peer review to help uphold these standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Journalist, you need strong writing skills, in-depth automotive knowledge, and a relevant degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, photo and video editing software, and SEO tools is typically required. Curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly help set exceptional journalists apart. These skills enable accurate, engaging, and accessible coverage of the automotive industry for diverse audiences.

What is the highest paying job in journalism?

In journalism, executive roles such as Editor-in-Chief or Chief Content Officer tend to be the highest paying, especially in large media organizations. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing multiple teams and strategic decision-making.

What is the difference between Automotive Journalist vs Automotive Reviewer?

AspectAutomotive JournalistAutomotive Reviewer
CredentialsTypically a journalism degree or related experienceOften a background in automotive expertise or journalism
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, magazines, online platformsBlogs, YouTube channels, automotive websites
Industry UsageWriting articles, conducting interviews, reporting newsTesting vehicles, providing opinions and reviews

Automotive journalists often produce a wide range of content including news, features, and interviews, while automotive reviewers focus primarily on testing and evaluating vehicles. Both roles require automotive knowledge and writing skills, but journalists tend to cover broader industry topics, whereas reviewers specialize in vehicle assessments.

How much does a car journalist make?

Car journalists typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, publication, and location. Senior or freelance automotive writers with specialized knowledge can earn higher salaries or freelance rates. The role often requires strong writing skills, automotive knowledge, and familiarity with industry tools and standards.
What cities are hiring for Automotive Journalist jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Journalist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Journalist jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Journalist jobs are:
What states have the most Automotive Journalist jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Journalist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automotive Journalist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 11% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 88% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,979 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

$80K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.
To learn more about Macomb County benefits click here
CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Communications Manager
SALARY:
$80,536.93 - $104,167.78
DEPARTMENT:
Community Mental Health
Opening Date:
06/05/2026
Closing Date:
06/19/2026 12:00 a.m.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-will
CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:30 a.m.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under direction, oversees both internal and external communication platforms for Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH). Develops media strategy and produces content for the organization's communication channels. Provides support to MCCMH leadership in matters related to government affairs, legislation review, and public outreach activities. Maintains continuous media relations while upholding MCCMH's branding and objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversees the department's media development and content, ensuring alignment with MCCMH's branding and objectives.
Provides media consulting, coaching, and support to the department.
Manages the organization's communication channels and digital platforms, including email, the website, and social media accounts.
Publishes content and promotional materials to raise awareness and promote the organization's services.
Manages media inquiries, reports, company newsletters, and press releases.
Develops and executes strategic public relations initiatives to increase exposure and promote MCCMH's events, programs, and perspectives.
Manages media projects and collaborates with communication and marketing teams to promote MCCMH initiatives.
Maintains positive working relationships with media contacts.
Formulates strategic messaging plans to effectively communicate with the public through media.
Coordinates media interviews, press conferences, and news events on behalf of MCCMH.
Prepares written content, including media releases, advisories, articles, editorials, talking points, and presentations.
Monitors media reports and communications.
Collects and analyzes data to assess the effectiveness of communication efforts in achieving MCCMH's goals.
Attends press conferences and events, organizes community outreach activities, and serves as the event photographer or arranges external photography services.
Controls video production, postproduction, and video indexing systems.
Manages technology during public meetings and hearings.
Assists with the composition of speeches and creates visual aid materials for MCCMH leadership.
Assists with developing public education efforts for MCCMH.
Collaborates with community mental health counterparts in Detroit-Wayne and Oakland on joint initiatives.
Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
May include evening or weekend work.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, News Media, or a related field
  • Four (4) years of experience working in public relations, communications, direct media, journalism, government relations, or related field, including working experience using social media channels to deliver marketing content
  • Two (2) years of experience in project management, such as managing media campaigns, public relations efforts, digital content development, and public outreach events, while overseeing timelines, deliverables, and coordination with partner organizations

Preferred Education and Experience
  • Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, News Media, or a related field
  • Experience or knowledge of the community mental health system

Required Licenses or Certifications
  • Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

Preferred Licenses or Certifications
  • Certifications in crisis communication, media relations, or social media management

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
  • Media law and ethics
  • Media networking principles and applications
  • Social media strategies and tools
  • Principles and practices of public communication and relations
  • Microsoft Windows, word processing, spreadsheet programs, and other computer software applications

Skill in:
  • Organization and time management
  • Researching and analyzing trends in the community
  • Managing on-site event coordination
  • Operating video production and sound system
  • Handling post-production activities
  • Writing, proofreading, and editing
  • Coordinating the publication-related printed materials
  • Developing verbal and multimedia presentations for community groups
  • Operating various social media platforms and content management systems

Ability to:
  • Collaborative: Approaches all situations with teamwork and a solution-focused mindset, demonstrated through active participation in meetings, volunteering to assist teammates and other departments as appropriate. Examples include participation in internal and external committees, subcommittees, process improvement groups, or other multi-organizational initiatives.
  • Accountable: Takes ownership and empowers others to do the same, as evidenced by identifying solutions and acting on job responsibilities and organizational objectives daily.
  • Respectful: Treats people with dignity while honoring individual differences demonstrated through use of positive and encouraging statements and/or interactions to, about and/or with colleagues and persons served; evidenced by supervisor observation, feedback from other department staff and leadership.
  • Work effectively in high-stress, fast-paced situations and make sound decisions
  • Manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision
  • Create original content and initiate projects
  • Make sound media decisions following laws and established policies and procedures
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality
  • Work in an environment that embraces the County's Dignity Campaign
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials, and the public
  • Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
  • Effectively speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Effectively speaking, writing, and understanding a language other than English is preferred.
  • Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
  • Work independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously
Work Environment
Office or similar indoor environment: F/C
Outdoor environment: N/S
Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S
Construction site: N/S
Confined space: N/S
Exposures
Individuals who are hostile or irate: O
Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S
Communicable diseases: N/S
Moving mechanical parts: N/S
Fumes or airborne particles: N/S
Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S
Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S
Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously
Demand:
Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: F/C
Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): F/C
Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms:
Crawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S
Digging: N/S
Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: N/S
Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O
Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S
Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C
Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another:
Up to 10 pounds: N/S
Up to 50 pounds: N/S
More than 50 pounds: N/S
Over 100 pounds: N/S
Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O
Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O
Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C
Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C
Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C
Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS
Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State's Emergency Management Act and the County's Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.
GRANT OR EXTERNALLY FUNDED POSITION -This position will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are provided.