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Journalism Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Local News Editor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * 5 years of experience in journalism writing, editing or management roles and ...

William Paterson University

$2.1K/wk

Journalism The Department of Communication is seeking adjunct faculty members to develop and teach ... Areas of expertise should include some or all of the following: news reporting, news writing ...

Gannett Co., Inc.

Local News Editor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * 5 years of experience in journalism writing, editing or management roles and ...

The Lawfare Institute

Data Journalism Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

... written, audio, and other content-all of which you can find free of charge at our website, www ... What you'll do Working across data journalism, research analysis, and use-case development, the ...

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$26K

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How much do journalism writing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for journalism writing in the United States is $45,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges journalists face when meeting tight deadlines?

Journalists often work under strict deadlines, which can make it challenging to verify facts, gather multiple sources, and craft compelling stories in a short time frame. Balancing speed with accuracy is crucial, as errors can affect credibility and trust. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential, and working closely with editors and colleagues can help streamline the process. Journalists may also need to adapt quickly to breaking news and shifting priorities throughout the day.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Journalism Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Journalism Writer, you need strong research and writing abilities, proficiency in AP style, and typically a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), digital publishing tools, and sometimes multimedia editing software is often required. Curiosity, ethical judgment, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are essential soft skills for standing out. These skills ensure accurate, compelling storytelling and timely reporting, which are vital for maintaining credibility and audience engagement.

What is the difference between Journalism Writing vs Content Writing?

AspectJournalism WritingContent Writing
Required CredentialsJournalism degree or related certification often preferredNo specific credential required, but marketing or writing courses helpful
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, online news platformsCorporate websites, blogs, marketing agencies
Industry UsageNews reporting, investigative journalism, editorial workBrand promotion, product descriptions, SEO content

Journalism writing focuses on reporting news accurately and objectively, often requiring journalistic credentials and working in media environments. Content writing emphasizes creating engaging, optimized content for marketing and branding, with less emphasis on formal journalism credentials. Both roles involve strong writing skills but serve different purposes and industries.

What is journalism writing?

Journalism writing is the practice of reporting, researching, and presenting news and information to the public through various media such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms. It involves gathering facts, verifying sources, and crafting stories that are accurate, clear, and engaging. Journalists adhere to ethical standards, aiming to inform, educate, and sometimes entertain their audience while maintaining objectivity and credibility. Journalism writing can include news articles, feature stories, interviews, opinion pieces, and investigative reports.
More about Journalism Writing jobs
What cities are hiring for Journalism Writing jobs? Cities with the most Journalism Writing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Journalism Writing jobs? The most popular types of Journalism Writing jobs are:
What states have the most Journalism Writing jobs? States with the most job openings for Journalism Writing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Journalism Writing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Journalism Writing jobs are:
Journalism Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Journalism Writing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 75% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,620 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Local News Editor

Local News Editor

gannett

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 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

The Des Moines Register/desmoinesregister.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a dynamic, results-driven Local News Editor to lead the communities news staff in producing impactful work that will make a difference for readers. 

This editor will lead a team of reporters covering the Des Moines community, including city hall, suburban, neighborhood and public safety news, helping reporters break exclusive news, cultivate deep sourcing and develop explanatory and investigative reports. It requires a mentor who can help reporters improve their newsgathering and writing skills and take on ever-more sophisticated work. 

The editor will use metrics and audience research to guide decisions about covering topics and issues that will drive digital audience growth. A successful candidate will embrace the latest developments in video, digital technology, social media and AI and will experiment with innovative approaches to draw in new audiences. 

The job requires a problem solver who is well-organized, can work independently and exercise solid news judgment. 

They will report to the Des Moines Register’s executive and will collaborate with other editors to plan and execute local and statewide news and information.

The Des Moines Register is a 17-time Pulitzer Prize winner that is recognized nationally for the quality of reporting. The Register offers an opportunity to build a career path in Iowa or to gain the foundation to move on to top metros across the country. 

Responsibilities:    

  • Help the staff hone skills in a wide range of storytelling: from real time digital updates to narrative storytelling to investigative reporting, employing alternative story forms and multimedia. 
  • Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience. 
  • Increase digital audience and engagement and grow digital subscriptions. 
  • Be a teacher, not just an editor. After all, everyone needs a coach. 
  • Be courageous about experimentation. 
  • Be a team player who likes to collaborate with coworkers. 
  • Serve as an ambassador to the community on the Register’s behalf. 
  • Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.  

Requirements: 

  • Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5 years of experience in journalism writing, editing or management roles and demonstration of strong editing skills.
  • Solid news judgment.
  • Top-notch planning, organizational and time management skills.
  • Understanding of metrics, social-media and SEO.
  • Self-motivation and self-direction.
  • Ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.

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. Please include examples of work you have edited or planned that shows what you have done.

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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