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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
What cities are hiring for Columnist jobs? Cities with the most Columnist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Columnist jobs? The most popular types of Columnist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Columnist jobs? The top employers for Columnist jobs are:
What states have the most Columnist jobs? States with the most job openings for Columnist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Columnist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Columnist jobs are:
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.
Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball and Football Reporter

Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball and Football Reporter

gannett

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$24 - $32.50/hr

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Gannett rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 67 rated media

Job description

Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball and Football Reporter

The Des Moines Register, Iowa’s leading news organization, is hiring for an Iowa City-based University of Iowa women’s basketball/football/GA reporter. This is a unique opportunity to cover top programs in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference at a time when Hawkeye sports are on the rise. 

We are seeking an ambitious, fast, digitally minded reporter who is hungry to be first with the news and produces a substantial output of content. This reporter can go beyond game coverage to offer analysis and compelling journalism that will surprise readers and keep them coming back. 

While women’s basketball will be this reporter’s primary beat, particularly during the winter sports season, this reporter will work closely with and supplement the work of the Hawkeyes columnist and Hawkeyes football reporter.  

The reporter also will provide coverage of professional women’s basketball, particularly Hawkeye alums in the WNBA. Additionally, the reporter will help facilitate video, podcast and social-media logistics and will produce trending and general assignment content, particularly during spring and summer.  

The successful candidate will be self-motivated and adept at growing audience through great content, smart use of social media and multimedia and promoting their brand and work on TV, podcasts and live radio. 

This is a stellar opportunity for someone with three to five years of sports reporting experience. The successful candidate, who will be based in trendy but affordable Iowa City, must be able to meet tight deadlines and travel as needed. 

Seasonal breakdown: 

  • Fall: women’s basketball 40%, football 50%, trending/video/podcasts 10%
  • Winter: women’s basketball 80%, trending/video/podcasts/GA 20% 
  • Spring/summer: women's basketball 40%, trending/video/podcasts 40%, GA 20% 

Responsibilities:

  • Research, report and produce compelling content that informs and engages readers. 
  • Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues and situations. 
  • Use video, photos and social media to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events. 
  • Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries, podcasts, video — that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the audience. 
  • Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest. 

Requirements: 

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.  
  • Three to five years of professional journalism experience. 
  • High-level writing, communication and time management skills. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline and use multimedia to supplement their reach. 
  • Demonstrated track record for keen news judgment, ethical decision-making and fair play. 
  • This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.  

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order: 

  1. Your resume – one to two pages.
  2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
  3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role. 

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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