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Newspaper Publisher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Publisher

Seaside, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr (+ commission)

Associate Publisher Milestone Communications Inc., publisher of Monterey County Weekly (the newspaper), www.montereycountynow.com (website), Monterey County NOW (daily e-newsletter) and the Best of ...

Newspaper Managing Editor

Tiburon, CA ยท On-site +1

$75K/yr

The Ark is owned by its publisher and its executive editor. The Ark was named the nations best small community newspaper for 2026 by the National Newspaper Association and a second-place general ...

New

Advertising Director

San Rafael, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

For 165 years, the Marin Independent Journal has been more than a newspaper-we are the cornerstone of our community. As a proud recipient of 19 California News Publishers Association awards this year ...

Advertising Director

San Rafael, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

For 165 years, the Marin Independent Journal has been more than a newspaper-we are the cornerstone of our community. As a proud recipient of 19 California News Publishers Association awards this year ...

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Newspaper Publisher information

See California salary details

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How much do newspaper publisher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for newspaper publisher in California is $14.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $7.12 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a newspaper publisher do?

A Newspaper Publisher oversees the entire operation of a newspaper, including editorial content, production, marketing, and business management. They make key decisions about the newspaper's direction, manage budgets, and ensure that the publication meets its goals and deadlines. Publishers also work to grow circulation, increase advertising revenue, and adapt to changes in the media landscape, such as digital publishing. Their role is vital to maintaining the newspaper's credibility, profitability, and connection with its audience.

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

To thrive as a Newspaper Publisher, you need strong leadership, editorial judgment, business acumen, and often a background in journalism or media management. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), digital publishing platforms, and data analytics tools is typically required, along with experience in media law and advertising sales. Excellent communication, decision-making, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing diverse teams and responding to the evolving media landscape. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the publication's financial health, editorial integrity, and continued relevance in a competitive industry.

What are some of the main challenges a newspaper publisher faces in today's digital media landscape?

Newspaper Publishers today often contend with balancing traditional print operations while expanding their digital presence to reach wider audiences. Adapting to rapidly changing technology, managing declining print revenues, and finding innovative ways to monetize digital content are common challenges. Publishers also need to ensure editorial quality and integrity while meeting tight deadlines and collaborating closely with editorial, advertising, and distribution teams. Successfully navigating these challenges requires adaptability, strategic vision, and strong leadership.

What is the difference between Newspaper Publisher vs Newspaper Editor?

AspectNewspaper PublisherNewspaper Editor
Primary RoleOversees overall operations, finances, and strategic direction of the newspaperManages content, supervises reporters, and ensures quality of news articles
Required CredentialsBusiness management experience, often a degree in journalism or related fieldsJournalism degree or related experience, strong editing skills
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, executive meetings, overseeing departmentsEditorial rooms, newsroom, writing and editing environment
Industry UsageLeads the entire publication, involved in business decisionsFocuses on content creation, editing, and news accuracy

While both roles are integral to a newspaper's success, the publisher handles overall business and strategic decisions, whereas the editor focuses on content quality and news reporting. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the newspaper industry.

What cities in California are hiring for Newspaper Publisher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Newspaper Publisher job openings:

Infographic showing various Newspaper Publisher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,730 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Associate Publisher

Monterey County Weekly

Seaside, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $120K/yr (+ commission)

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Associate Publisher

Milestone Communications Inc., publisher of Monterey County Weekly (the newspaper), www.montereycountynow.com (website), Monterey County NOW (daily e-newsletter) and the Best of Monterey Bay® magazines, is recruiting for a newly created position, Associate Publisher. This is a senior level leadership position created to increase the company’s capacity to continue to succeed.

This job will demand intelligence, flexibility, patience and fortitude. The chosen candidate will be joining a thriving media company where for the past 36-plus years good journalism has made for good business.

About Us: Our company is local and independently owned and operated. One-third of our staff has worked with us more than 20 years; over half has been on our team more than 15 years. That speaks volumes. We are unapologetically committed to quality journalism and very responsive to our three main constituencies: our audience, advertisers and employees. We make a difference in our community; we know and value that. In 2024 the Weekly earned First Place General Excellence (the highest honor) at the California Journalism Awards.

We have learned that flexibility and perseverance are in our DNA. We have reinvented ourselves repeatedly to remain relevant and vital, and respond to the multiple challenges facing independent media organizations. We are now the largest print media in the county, known for our leadership, innovation and commitment to the community. We pride ourselves for thriving in these volatile times, meeting budgets and deadlines, generating profits.

We’re by no means perfect. We’ve made a whole bunch of lousy decisions, too, but we’re hoping the decision to hire you is one of our good ones.

About You: The right candidate will have both nuance and smarts to manage the diversity of opinions and people that define our company and the community at-large. Media experience is required.

While the specific responsibilities are sure to evolve and change, the Associate Publisher will be focused foremost on revenue and also involved with most other aspects of the company. Specific duties will include sales, sales management, planning, marketing, budgeting, vendor relations and even some human resources. Responsibilities throughout the company will expand as you become proficient and knowledgeable of our organization.

As Associate Publisher you will be an integral member of our management team, working closely with the publisher and CEO to learn all aspects of the operation of Milestone Communications Inc. We want you to thrive and grow into our next generation of leadership.

This position is full time, exempt, and may require a flexible schedule (depending on events). Salary range is $90,000 - $120,000 /year, plus performance bonus, depending on experience, with an excellent benefits package.