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Freelance Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Breaking News Writer (Freelance)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

Atlanta Black Star is seeking experienced Freelance Breaking News Writers to join our fast-paced ... This role is designed for journalists who live and breathe the news cycle. The ideal candidate is a ...

Atlanta Black Star is seeking experienced Freelance Breaking News Writers to join our fast-paced ... This role is designed for journalists who live and breathe the news cycle. The ideal candidate is a ...

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Reporter/Anchor to join our team ... Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Business, or a related field (preferred)

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Reporter/Anchor to join our team ... Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Business, or a related field (preferred)

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Freelance Journalism information

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How much do freelance journalism jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance journalism in the United States is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Journalist, you need strong research, writing, and interviewing skills, typically supported by a background in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), digital publishing platforms, and multimedia tools is often required. Outstanding time management, adaptability, and networking abilities help set top freelancers apart. These skills ensure the ability to produce accurate, engaging stories while managing multiple projects and building a reputable client base.

How can I be a freelance journalist?

To become a freelance journalist, build a strong portfolio of writing samples, develop reporting and editing skills, and establish contacts with media outlets or clients. Many freelancers use online platforms, social media, and personal websites to showcase their work and find assignments. A good understanding of journalistic ethics and proficiency with tools like word processors and content management systems are also important.

What is the difference between Freelance Journalism vs Staff Journalism?

AspectFreelance JournalismStaff Journalism
CredentialsTypically requires a journalism degree or relevant experienceRequires a journalism degree or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent, flexible, often remoteIn-office or newsroom setting, structured hours
EmployerMultiple clients, self-employedMedia organizations, newspapers, TV stations
Work StyleProject-based, variable workloadConsistent, ongoing assignments

Freelance Journalism involves working independently for various clients, offering flexibility and diverse projects. Staff Journalism is employed by media outlets, providing a stable work environment with regular hours. Both roles require journalism credentials, but freelance journalists often manage their own schedules and client relationships, while staff journalists work within organizational structures.

What is freelance journalism?

Freelance journalism is a form of reporting where journalists work independently rather than being employed by a single media organization. Freelance journalists pitch story ideas to various publications, create content on a contract or per-piece basis, and often manage their own schedules and workload. This allows them more flexibility in choosing topics and outlets, but also requires them to handle their own business matters such as invoicing and securing assignments. Freelance journalists may write for newspapers, magazines, digital media, or broadcast outlets, covering a wide range of subjects.

What are the qualifications to get a freelance journalism job?

A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or English is beneficial if you want to become a freelance journalist. You must also have reliable technology to write and communicate with your editor. You need to continuously grow a portfolio to demonstrate your research and writing skills, making sure all your work is accurate and engaging. Networking is essential for obtaining freelance journalism jobs. Other qualifications include time management and research skills, awareness of current events, and the ability to handle rejection when you pitch articles.

How to get jobs as a freelance journalist?

To get jobs as a freelance journalist, build a strong portfolio of published work, develop relationships with editors and media outlets, and utilize online platforms like journalism job boards and freelance marketplaces. Having good writing skills, industry knowledge, and the ability to pitch story ideas effectively are essential for securing assignments.

How do freelance journalists typically find and pitch stories to editors or publications?

Freelance journalists often generate story ideas by staying current with news trends, engaging with communities, and identifying underreported topics. They then research potential publications that align with their story angle and craft concise, compelling pitches tailored to each editor's interests and the outlet's style. Building relationships with editors through networking and consistently delivering quality work can increase the chances of pitches being accepted. Freelancers must also be proactive in following up and managing multiple story leads to maintain a steady workflow.

How much do freelance journalists get paid?

Freelance journalists typically earn between $25 and $150 per article, depending on experience, publication, and article complexity. Hourly rates can range from $20 to $100, with some experienced freelancers earning higher, especially for specialized or high-profile assignments. Payment structures vary, with some working on per-article, per-word, or retainer bases.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Journalism jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Journalism job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Journalism jobs? The most popular types of Journalism jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Journalism jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Journalism jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Journalism job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 58% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 71% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,412 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Part-Time Freelance Reporter, US News & Crime

FOX News Network, LLC

Remote

$30 - $36.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago


Fox News rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 76 rated media


Job description

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Fox News Media
FOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer digital streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International and the newly announced platform FOX Weather. Currently the number one network in all of cable, FNC has also been the most watched television news channel for 20 consecutive years, while FBN currently ranks among the top business channels on cable. Owned by FOX Corporation, FOX News Media reaches 200 million people each month.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Fox News Digital is seeking an experienced Part-Time Freelance Reporter, US and Crime to join our team. You are a seasoned journalist with years of experience in a major newsroom with vast experience in U.S. news coverage. You have a wide range of sources that will enable you to break news and dig in on original and exclusive reporting.
You will be offered the following shift:
8:00 AM, ET - 4:00 PM, ET or 11:00 AM, ET - 7:00 PM, ET; 2-3 days per week
**This is not an on-air role.**
A SNAPSHOT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Responsible for original, enterprise and investigative reporting
  • Must be able to respond to breaking news on beat and turn stories accurately under pressure
  • Ability to travel to breaking news events at a moment's notice
  • Ability to consistently produce stories with original video, interviews, photos and graphic elements
  • Ideal candidate will have a robust rolodex of criminal, legal and police contacts
  • Pitch stories daily as well as execute assignments, including field assignments

WHAT YOU WILL NEED
  • Professional newsroom experience
  • Experience covering US/WORLD news at a national media outlet, digital experience preferred
  • Experience covering crime, courts, legal, and investigations
  • Knowledge of AP style writing
  • Command of PACER, Lexis-Nexis, FOIA requests
  • Command of SEO
  • Experience with digital analytics to monitor, build traffic
  • Experience with headlines
  • CMS, WordPress knowledge
  • Willingness to travel domestically/internationally
  • Possess a competitive spirit
  • Possess an "on-call" mentality and be prepared to work outside of shift in emergency or breaking news conditions
  • Ability to travel / operate in the field
  • Eager to network out of the office
  • Voracious consumer of news
  • Bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field is study is preferred, or equivalent experience
  • Possess a competitive spirit
  • Possess an "on-call" mentality and be prepared to work outside of shift in emergency or breaking news conditions
  • Ability to travel / operate in the field
  • Eager to network out of the office
  • Voracious consumer of news
  • Bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field is study is preferred, or equivalent experience
  • Ability to leverage AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, NotebookLM)) to accelerate research, fact-gathering, and story framing in a fast-moving news cycle.

#LI-BC1
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $36.06-44.00 per hour for high cost labour markets such as but not limited to New York City and Los Angeles, $30.00-36.50 per hour for all other US locations.

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