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Columnist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York Times

Opinion Columnist Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.50 - $27.50/hr

The New York Times Opinion section is seeking an editorial assistant to support the Times columnist Thomas Friedman. The job, which is based in Washington D.C., is a great opportunity for someone who ...

Bionews, Inc.

Rare Obesity News Columnist

Pensacola, FL · On-site +1

A Bionews columnist is a patient or caregiver who shares about life with a rare or chronic disease. They write personal essays in a column format to inform, inspire, empathize, and advise. Their ...

Bionews, Inc.

Porphyria News Columnist

Pensacola, FL · On-site +1

A Bionews columnist is a patient or caregiver who shares about life with a rare or chronic disease. They write personal essays in a column format to inform, inspire, empathize, and advise. Their ...

Bionews, Inc.

Sickle Cell Disease News

Pensacola, FL · On-site +1

A Bionews columnist is a patient or caregiver who shares about life with a rare or chronic disease. They write personal essays in a column format to inform, inspire, empathize, and advise. Their ...

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Columnist information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do columnist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for columnist in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs for a columnist or similar roles typically include senior editorial positions, media executives, or successful authors, often requiring extensive experience, a strong reputation, and sometimes ownership of media outlets. Such roles may also involve additional income from book deals, speaking engagements, or media investments. Achieving a $500,000 annual income generally requires a combination of skill, industry influence, and multiple income streams.

What is a columnist job?

A columnist writes regular articles or opinion pieces for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms, often focusing on specific topics or areas of expertise. The role requires strong writing skills, research ability, and the capacity to engage readers through compelling content, often on a scheduled basis.

How to get a job as a columnist?

To become a columnist, develop strong writing skills, build a portfolio of published work, and gain experience through internships or freelance assignments. Networking with editors and understanding the publication's audience can also improve your chances of securing a position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Columnist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Columnist, you need excellent writing, research, and analytical skills, often supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or English. Familiarity with content management systems, digital publishing tools, and SEO fundamentals is highly valued in the role. Strong creativity, an engaging personal voice, and the ability to meet deadlines help set a columnist apart. These competencies are vital for producing compelling, relevant columns that resonate with audiences and maintain publication standards.

What does a Columnist do?

A Columnist writes opinion pieces, commentary, or specialized content for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. They often focus on specific topics such as politics, culture, business, or entertainment. Unlike reporters, who deliver objective news, Columnists provide analysis, perspective, and personal viewpoints. Their work may include interviews, research, and audience engagement through social media or responses to reader feedback.

What does a typical workday look like for a columnist?

A typical workday for a columnist involves researching current topics or trends, brainstorming and drafting columns, and collaborating with editors for feedback and revisions. Many columnists also interact with readers through comments or social media, attend meetings with editorial teams, and stay updated on industry developments. The role can often involve tight deadlines, requiring strong time-management skills. Depending on the publication, columnists may work in-office, remotely, or a combination of both. This diverse mix of responsibilities ensures each day offers new opportunities to inform, engage, and connect with audiences.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior editors, media executives, and top-tier journalists can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions often require extensive experience, strong industry networks, and skills in management, content strategy, or specialized reporting.
More about Columnist jobs
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Columnist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Columnist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 47% Physical, and 53% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Opinion Columnist

TIMES PUBLISHING COMPANY

Saint Petersburg, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Opinion Columnist

Location: St. Petersburg, FL / Tampa Bay Region


Position Summary:

The Tampa Bay Times is seeking a sharp, digitally savvy Opinion Columnist to help shape public conversation across the Tampa Bay region and Florida. This role is designed for a journalist with strong news instincts, compelling storytelling abilities, and a fearless commitment to accountability journalism.

The ideal candidate is deeply curious about local and state issues, thrives under deadline pressure, and is motivated to move beyond surface-level narratives to deliver reporting and commentary that informs, challenges, and engages readers. This journalist will produce timely, voice-driven opinion columns while also helping expand audience engagement through digital storytelling, video, social media, newsletters, podcasts, and emerging platforms.

This position requires a journalist who is equally comfortable writing quick-turn commentary and pursuing deeper enterprise work. The successful candidate will actively build community relationships and source networks while serving as a visible public-facing voice for the Tampa Bay Times.

Responsibilities:

  • Write timely, compelling opinion columns focused primarily on local and state news, politics, government, and public accountability
  • Identify and develop original column ideas that drive public conversation and advance meaningful community dialogue
  • Cultivate strong relationships with sources, community leaders, elected officials, and residents across the Tampa Bay region
  • Report beyond official narratives to uncover deeper context, accountability angles, and underreported issues
  • Produce a consistent volume of high-quality commentary under tight deadlines
  • Develop a distinct, engaging voice that resonates across multiple audiences and platforms
  • Collaborate with newsroom editors, reporters, and audience teams to maximize reach and impact
  • Create and participate in digital-first storytelling, including video, social media content, newsletters, live events, podcasts, and other audience engagement initiatives
  • Represent the Tampa Bay Times in public forums, community events, and digital spaces as a recognizable voice of the organization
  • Monitor local and state news developments closely and respond quickly to emerging stories and trends
  • Assist with occasional editing, content coordination, and opinion section workflow support as needed

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, political science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
  • Minimum of 5 years of professional journalism experience, preferably covering local or state government, politics, public affairs, or community issues
  • Exceptional writing, reporting, interviewing, and storytelling skills
  • Strong understanding of Florida and Tampa Bay news, politics, and community dynamics
  • Demonstrated ability to develop sources and produce original enterprise journalism
  • Proven ability to work effectively under deadline pressure in a fast-paced newsroom environment
  • Comfort appearing on video, audio, social media, and public-facing platforms
  • Experience with digital audience engagement and multimedia storytelling strategies
  • Strong editorial judgment and commitment to journalistic ethics, accuracy, and fairness
  • Ability to adapt quickly between breaking commentary, enterprise reporting, and audience engagement initiatives
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across newsroom teams and platforms

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit a resume, at least two writing samples or published columns, and a written statement outlining their vision and ideas for the role by May 29.