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Chief Photojournalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WOWK-TV

Photographer III, Chief

Knoxville, TN · On-site

The Chief Photographer oversees the day-to-day operations of the news photojournalist team which includes news photographers/editors and MMJs. The Chief Photographer is also responsible for the ...

Digital Remedy

Chief Photographer

Tulsa, OK

Our Chief Photographer manages, evaluates, and develops a team of photographers and MMJs. Along ... Provide constructive feedback on shooting and editing of photojournalist staff * Train staff on ...

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Chief Photographer

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Our Chief Photographer manages, evaluates, and develops a team of photographers and MMJs. Along ... Provide constructive feedback on shooting and editing of photojournalist staff * Train staff on ...

Tribune Media

Photographer III, Chief

Knoxville, TN

The Chief Photographer oversees the day-to-day operations of the news photojournalist team which includes news photographers/editors and MMJs. The Chief Photographer is also responsible for the ...

Nexstar Media Group

Chief Photographer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

The Chief Photographer oversees the day-to-day operations of the news photojournalist team which includes news photographers. The Chief Photographer is also responsible for the maintenance of all ...

Tribune Media

Chief Photographer

Sacramento, CA

$70K/yr

TheChief Photographeroversees the day-to-day operations of the news photojournalist team which includes news photographers. The Chief Photographer is also responsible for the maintenance of all ...

WOWK-TV

Chief Photographer

Sacramento, CA

$70K/yr

TheChief Photographeroversees the day-to-day operations of the news photojournalist team which includes news photographers. The Chief Photographer is also responsible for the maintenance of all ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Reporter

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$28.33 - $35.22/hr

Serve as the chief envoy in forging the vital relationships with leaders and public officials ... team of photojournalists * Fluency in a second language - especially Spanish - which is highly ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Reporter

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$28.33 - $35.22/hr

Serve as the chief envoy in forging the vital relationships with leaders and public officials ... team of photojournalists * Fluency in a second language - especially Spanish - which is highly ...

All JobsChief Photojournalist Jobs

Chief Photojournalist information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief photojournalist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief photojournalist in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do photojournalists make?

Photojournalists' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, with median annual earnings typically ranging from $30,000 to $70,000. Experienced professionals working for major media outlets or in high-demand areas can earn higher wages, and skills in digital editing and multimedia storytelling can enhance earning potential.

How much does a chief photographer make?

A chief photojournalist typically earns between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They often have advanced photography skills, experience in news environments, and may oversee a team of photographers or manage editorial content.

What is the highest paying photography job?

Chief photojournalists or senior photojournalists in major media organizations tend to have the highest salaries in photography, often earning six-figure incomes. High earnings are typically associated with extensive experience, strong portfolio, and skills in digital editing and storytelling, often working under tight deadlines and in demanding environments.

What is a Chief Photojournalist?

A Chief Photojournalist is a senior photographer who leads a team of photojournalists, often within a news organization or media outlet. They are responsible for assigning photo coverage, ensuring high standards of photography, editing images, and often managing equipment and schedules. The Chief Photojournalist also mentors junior staff, coordinates with editors and reporters, and may cover major stories themselves. Their role is crucial in maintaining the visual quality and integrity of news reporting.

What is the difference between Chief Photojournalist vs Photojournalist?

AspectChief PhotojournalistPhotojournalist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in journalism, photography, or related field; extensive portfolioSimilar educational background; portfolio often essential
Work EnvironmentLeads photo teams, manages projects, and coordinates coverage for news organizationsCaptures news stories in the field, working independently or with a team
Industry UsageUsed in news agencies, media outlets, and large publicationsCommon across newspapers, magazines, and online media

The main difference is that a Chief Photojournalist oversees photo coverage and manages teams, while a Photojournalist focuses on capturing news images. The Chief role involves leadership and planning, whereas the Photojournalist role emphasizes fieldwork and storytelling through images.

What are some common challenges Chief Photojournalists face when leading a team in the field?

Chief Photojournalists often encounter challenges such as coordinating coverage across multiple locations, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring the safety of their team in unpredictable environments. Balancing creative storytelling with editorial standards and logistical constraints is critical. Additionally, they must foster collaboration among photographers, reporters, and editors to deliver compelling visual content while mentoring junior staff and adapting to evolving technology in the industry.

How much do FBI photographers make?

FBI photographers are federal employees and typically earn salaries based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with starting salaries around GS-7 to GS-9, which range from approximately $40,000 to $60,000 annually. With experience and specialized skills, such as proficiency with professional photography equipment and security clearances, salaries can increase to GS-11 or higher, reaching over $80,000 per year. Benefits often include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Photojournalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Photojournalist, you need advanced photography skills, editorial judgment, and experience in news gathering, often supported by a degree in journalism or photojournalism. Expertise with professional camera equipment, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, and digital asset management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills help in coordinating teams and managing assignments. These abilities are crucial for producing impactful visual stories, maintaining high journalistic standards, and effectively leading a photo department.
More about Chief Photojournalist jobs
What job categories do people searching Chief Photojournalist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Photojournalist jobs are:
Chief Photojournalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Photojournalist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Photographer III, Chief

WOWK-TV

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

The Chief Photographer oversees the day-to-day operations of the news photojournalist team which includes news photographers/editors and MMJs. The Chief Photographer is also responsible for the maintenance of all photography technology and equipment at the station

  • Manages staff of news photographers/editors
  • Plans and manages staffing, training, and performance evaluations for the photographers
  • Makes decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion of employees
  • Maintains all photography technology and equipment for the station
  • Trains and coaches photographer and MMJ staff
  • Assigns projects to staff and ensures logistics and shot requirements meet established standards
  • Performs photographer duties as required
  • Plans photography needs for live news and station remotes
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements & Skills:

  • Technical degree in Digital Electronics, Broadcasting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience
  • Fluency in English
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
  • Minimum five years' experience as a photographer in a television broadcasting environment, with at least three years' experience in a leadership role
  • Experience guiding, directing and motivating subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance
  • Experience establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them
  • Ability to identify the developmental needs of others and to coach, mentor or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills
  • Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment
  • Strong PC/MS Office experience
  • Experience with video recording equipment and camera technology
  • Experience with satellite trucks
  • Significant experience evaluating, selecting and operating video recording equipment
  • Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously

All employees must first contact their current manager before applying for an Internal position.

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