2

Entry Level News Reporter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is an excellent entry level position for an early career journalist. People who hold this job ... Writes and orders news stories * Approves scripts * Balances news and feature content to create ...

... Mercury News Best in Silicon Valley >>>>> ASPIRE to Excellence CARF Accredited >>>>> 2024 Great ... Minimum Qualifications : To practice as a Developmental Specialist at entry level, the ...

... Mercury News Best in Silicon Valley >>>>> ASPIRE to Excellence CARF Accredited >>>>> 2024 Great ... Minimum Qualifications : To practice as a Developmental Specialist at entry level, the ...

... Mercury News Best in Silicon Valley >>>>> ASPIRE to Excellence CARF Accredited >>>>> 2024 Great ... Minimum Qualifications : To practice as a Developmental Specialist at entry level, the ...

Entry Level News Reporter information

See California salary details

$14.8K

$41.8K

$76.5K

How much do entry level news reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level news reporter in California is $41,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,600.00 and $48,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level news reporter do?

As an entry-level news reporter, your job is to report on a story assigned to you by an editor. This may involve talking with experts on TV, accessing public information sources to research a topic, writing an article, or helping senior reporters with their own projects. As an entry-level news reporter, your main job is to learn more about being a journalist. Most companies start new hires with relatively simple and straightforward assignments to help them get used to their process and editorial preferences before they start assigning truly independent work. This job requires frequent travel.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level news reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level News Reporter, you need strong writing, research, and interviewing skills, usually backed by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), audio/video recording equipment, and social media platforms is typically required. Curiosity, resilience, and the ability to work under tight deadlines set outstanding reporters apart. These skills ensure timely, accurate, and engaging news coverage, building audience trust and newsroom reliability.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level news reporters in their first year on the job?

Entry-level news reporters often face challenges such as tight deadlines, learning how to quickly verify information, and adapting to the fast-paced nature of newsroom environments. They may also need to build credibility with sources and develop strong interviewing skills, all while juggling multiple assignments. Additionally, new reporters are expected to collaborate effectively with editors, photographers, and other team members to produce accurate and compelling stories.

What is the difference between Entry Level News Reporter vs Junior News Journalist?

AspectEntry Level News ReporterJunior News Journalist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, online platformsNewsrooms, media outlets, online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in newspapers, TV, online mediaOften used interchangeably with news reporter in media outlets
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Entry Level News Reporters and Junior News Journalists typically require a bachelor's degree in journalism or related fields. They work in similar environments such as newsrooms and media outlets, often performing comparable tasks like reporting, interviewing, and writing news stories. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on the employer. Overall, they represent entry-level roles in journalism with similar responsibilities and qualifications.

Is journalism a declining field?

Journalism, including entry-level news reporting, has experienced shifts due to digital media and changing consumer habits, leading to some declines in traditional print roles. However, opportunities are growing in digital platforms, multimedia reporting, and online news outlets that require skills in social media, video, and data journalism.

What are the most commonly searched types of News Reporter jobs in California?

The most popular types of News Reporter jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level News Reporter jobs in California?

For Entry Level News Reporter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level News Reporter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level News Reporter jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level News Reporter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,823 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Bilingual producer/reporter

Tribune Media

Bakersfield, CA

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Working for our Telemundo affiliate, the bilingual reporter/producer creates daily newscast items, writes for newscasts , and updates our website and social media.

This is an excellent entry level position for an early career journalist. People who hold this job frequently move to on-air positions.

  • Produces newscasts for broadcast across all platforms
  • Writes and orders news stories
  • Approves scripts
  • Balances news and feature content to create compelling broadcasts
  • Edits video
  • Writes stories for the website and other eMedia platforms
  • Interacts with viewers and users on social media sites
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements & Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience

  • Fluency in English and Spanish
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Minimum two years' experience in news operations (Depending on market size)
  • Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment
  • Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Flexibility to work any shift
  • Pay range: $18 per hour