ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Journalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Semafor

Audience Booker (Contract)

New York, NY · On-site

$1.7K/wk

We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with ... Operationally tight This is a contract role requiring discretion, speed, strong executive ...

Gold's Gym

Copywriter - CONTRACT

Dallas, TX

This role reports to the Creative Director and contract based for 3 months. Write and edit ... Journalism, Marketing, or a related field Excellent copywriting skills with a proven track record ...

New

Gold's Gym

Copywriter - CONTRACT

Dallas, TX

This role reports to the Creative Director and contract based for 3 months. Write and edit ... Journalism, Marketing, or a related field Excellent copywriting skills with a proven track record ...

New

Gold's Gym

Copywriter - CONTRACT

Dallas, TX · On-site

This role reports to the Creative Director and contract based for 3 months. • Write and edit ... Journalism, Marketing, or a related field • Excellent copywriting skills with a proven track ...

New

Northampton Community College

Adjuncts - English/Reading/Journalism ~~~~~ Please apply here for possible future openings. As ... contract is issued. Application must be completed in one sitting. At the time of completing ...

TIME

Video Editor | Contract through 2026

New York, NY · Hybrid

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

TIME is a 103-year-old global media brand and one of the most trusted names in journalism. TIME ... This is a temporary, contract position through the end of 2026 with the potential to convert to a ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsContract Journalist Jobs

Contract Journalist information

See salary details

$30K

$61K

$131K

How much do contract journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract journalist?

To thrive as a Contract Journalist, you generally need excellent writing, research, and interviewing skills, often supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, digital publishing platforms, and multimedia tools like audio and video editing software is typically required. Strong networking, adaptability, and the ability to meet tight deadlines are crucial soft skills that set top journalists apart. These competencies are vital for producing accurate, engaging stories and maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by contract journalists when managing multiple assignments simultaneously?

Contract journalists often juggle assignments from different editors and outlets, which can make time management and organization crucial. Balancing overlapping deadlines, adapting to varying editorial styles, and sourcing reliable information under tight timelines are common challenges. Successful contract journalists typically develop strong communication skills, maintain detailed schedules, and establish clear expectations with their clients to ensure smooth workflows. Being proactive about follow-ups and having a reliable network of sources can also help manage the workload effectively.

How to get jobs as a contract journalist?

To get jobs as a contract journalist, build a strong portfolio of published work and develop expertise in specific topics or niches. Networking with editors and media outlets, creating a professional online presence, and using freelance platforms can also help secure contract assignments. Having good research, writing skills, and familiarity with content management systems are essential for success.

What is a contract journalist?

Contract journalists are professional writers or reporters who work on a contractual basis rather than as full-time, permanent employees of a news organization. They may be hired for specific projects, articles, or periods of time and often work independently, sometimes contributing to multiple media outlets at once. Contract journalists usually negotiate their own rates and terms, and are responsible for managing their schedules, taxes, and benefits. This arrangement allows for flexibility but can also mean less job security and fewer employer-provided benefits compared to staff positions.

What is the difference between Contract Journalist vs Staff Journalist?

AspectContract JournalistStaff Journalist
CredentialsTypically requires a journalism degree or equivalent experienceRequires a journalism degree or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentFreelance or temporary assignments, often remoteFull-time employment in a newsroom or media organization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by media outlets hiring freelance writersEmployed directly by media organizations
Work ScopeProject-based, variable workloadConsistent, ongoing reporting duties

Contract journalists work on a freelance or temporary basis, often with flexible hours and varied projects, while staff journalists are full-time employees with regular reporting responsibilities. Both roles require journalism credentials, but their employment structure and work environment differ significantly.

More about Contract Journalist jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Journalist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Journalist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Journalist jobs? The most popular types of Journalist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Journalist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Journalist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Journalist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Journalist jobs are:
Contract Journalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Journalist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,979 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Media and Journalism-Temporary Pool

Commonwealth University

Campus, IL

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Media and Journalism-Temporary Pool Posting Number F084 College/Area College of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences Department Communication Studies, Media & Journalism Bargaining Unit APSCUF Position Type Faculty - Temporary Pools Type of Appointment Part Time Complement Type Temporary Home Campus Bloomsburg City Bloomsburg State Pennsylvania Zip Code 17815 FTE% varies Work Location Home Campus Salary Per Collective Bargaining Agreement If Other, please list Appointment Start Date Start dates will vary based on department needs Benefits
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education provides a comprehensive package of employer benefits to eligible employees and their enrolled dependent(s), which include*:
  • Medical and prescription drug benefits.
  • Generous retirement plans, two options:
    • Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)
    • State Employees' Retirement System (SERS)
  • Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
  • Paid time off.
  • Employer-paid dental and vision benefits.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Voluntary insurances and additional retirement programs.
*Specific benefits may vary based upon university, employee group and/or collective bargaining unit. Visit: http://www.passhe.edu/inside/HR/syshr/healthcare/Pages/Summary-of-Benefits.aspx for additional information regarding benefits.
To be eligible for most benefits, you must be a permanent, full-time employee (including temporary, full-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) or a permanent, part-time employee (including temporary, part-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) who is scheduled to work every pay period for at least 50% of full-time hours.
Position Description Summary
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania invites applications for temporary faculty positions (full-time one semester, part-time one semester or part-time academic year) as needs arise in the Department of Media and Journalism.
This bachelor's degree program balances a broad knowledge of the liberal arts and natural sciences with the professional and theoretical preparation needed by today's media professionals.

Duties
Based on the specific needs of the department at the time of appointment, a successful applicant must be qualified to teach introductory and/or upper-level courses for the Media Production focus of Media and Journalism.

Course(s) may include: MEDJ 270 Digital Video Production, MEDJ 370 Advanced Digital Video Production, MEDJ 371 Digital Video Editing, MEDJ 372 Audio Storytelling, MEDJ 373 Visual Storytelling, MEDJ 470 Media Production Workshop and MEDJ 471 Advanced Video Editing.

The location for these temporary positions varies with the expectation of serving a multi-campus University within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Qualifying Experience and Education (Minimum/Preferred)
Minimum Requirements:
Information and technological literacy and Master's degree in appropriate field are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. in appropriate field, college level teaching experience, related professional experience and demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations preferred.
Special Instructions to Applicants
A complete application includes cover letter, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, contact information for three professional references. Applications must be submitted online by hard deadline 3 years from date of posting. Questions may be directed to Department Chairperson, Dr. Jason Genovese, jgenoves@commonwealthu.edu.

Finalist(s) for these positions must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process and/or teaching demonstration, research presentation as judged by the department faculty.
Supplemental Information
Recommendation for hiring is needed for a majority of the regular, full-time department faculty.
Completing this search is contingent upon student enrollment and available funding.
Faculty may be assigned to provide instruction through distance education.
Background Clearances
Offers of employment are conditional, pending successful completion of the background clearances mandated by Act 153 of 2014 and Board of Governors Policy 2014-01-A: Protection of Minors. In order to qualify for a provisional appointment, the Applicant Acknowledgement Consent Form, Provisional Hire Form, Pennsylvania State Police and Justifacts portion of the clearance process must be successfully completed prior to your start date. The remaining PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Clearance must be successfully completed and returned as soon as possible within the first 90 days of employment.
Diversity Statement
At Commonwealth University we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion enriches our campus community and is instrumental to our institutional success. Commonwealth University strives to cultivate a campus climate that allows all members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as we achieve success both in and out of the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives beyond Commonwealth University. We uphold our commitment to DEI by:
  • Actively supporting and promoting the intellectual and personal growth of our students, inside and outside of the classroom.
  • Providing workshops, trainings, programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion within our campus community.
  • Ensuring that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals.
Title IX/Clery
The University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

The University also complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Title IX prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination. VAWA imposes additional duties on universities and colleges to investigate and respond to reports of sexual assault, stalking, and dating or domestic violence, and to publish policies and procedures related to the way these reports are handled. The University has designated the Title IX Coordinator (Jennifer Raup, Elwell Hall, ORL, 570-389-4808, jraup@commonwealthu.edu or titleixcoord@commonwealthu.edu), to coordinate the University's compliance with Title IX and VAWA and to respond to reports of violations. The University has directed the Police Department to coordinate the University's compliance with the VAWA-related Clery reporting requirements. For information on the University's crime statistics, which is available in a publication called "Annual Security Report", please contact Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Police at 570-389-2211, Commonwealth University - Mansfield Police at 570-662-4900, or Commonwealth University - Lock Haven Police at 570-484-2278 or by accessing the following website: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/offices-directory/university-police/annual-security-report. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East - Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.
About Commonwealth University of PA
The Power of Three Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield universities have joined forces to boldly transform higher education in our region and beyond. While we are uniting as Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, you can expect a college experience that is anything but common.
We're Honoring our History by preserving the founding principles of each campus and continuing our vibrant on-campus student experience, serving as pillars of our communities, supporting students and our neighbors alike.
We're Investing in Today by answering the greatest challenges facing higher education: accessibility, cost, quality, and relevance through the combined strength of our storied institutions.
We're Building a Powerful Tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public education to position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and workforce development needs in our region, across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Anticipated Start Date
as needs arise between now and spring 2028
Anticipated End Date
Posting Detail Information
Open Date mm-dd-yyyy 09/18/2023 Close Date mm-dd-yyyy 09/18/2028 Open Until Filled No Quick Link https://commonwealthu.peopleadmin.com/postings/788

Apply