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Photo Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Understanding the basics of good journalism, and possess the ability to gather accurate information about stories will come in handy as they work in cooperation with the news director, assignment ...

BA/BS in journalism, communications or related field preferred or equivalent years of experience * 0-1 years of experience preferred in a newsroom environment. * Experience in photojournalism ...

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Photo Journalism information

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How much do photo journalism jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo journalism in the United States is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Photo Journalism vs Photo Editing?

AspectPhoto JournalismPhoto Editing
Required SkillsPhotography, storytelling, news ethicsImage enhancement, software proficiency, visual creativity
Work EnvironmentNews agencies, magazines, online mediaPost-production studios, media companies, freelance
Industry UsageDocumenting news events, reportingRefining images, preparing visuals for publication

Photo Journalism focuses on capturing and reporting news through photographs, emphasizing storytelling and ethics. Photo Editing involves modifying images to improve visual appeal or meet publication standards. While both roles require photography skills, Photo Journalism emphasizes real-time storytelling, whereas Photo Editing centers on post-production work. They often collaborate but serve distinct functions within the media industry.

What are some common challenges faced by photojournalists when working in the field?

Photojournalists often encounter unpredictable and sometimes challenging environments, such as rapidly changing weather, difficult lighting conditions, or restricted access to events. They must be able to quickly adapt to these situations while maintaining ethical standards and ensuring the safety of themselves and their subjects. Building trust with sources, working under tight deadlines, and capturing compelling stories visually are daily challenges, making resilience and adaptability essential traits for success in this field.

Do photojournalists make good money?

Photojournalists' earnings vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of media they work for. Entry-level positions often pay modestly, while experienced professionals working for major outlets or in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, sometimes supplemented by freelance work and assignments. Overall, income potential is generally moderate compared to other professions but can increase with reputation and skill level.

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

To thrive as a Photojournalist, you need strong photography skills, news judgment, and the ability to tell compelling stories visually, often backed by a degree in journalism or photography. Mastery of digital cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and familiarity with content management systems are typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills set exceptional photojournalists apart in capturing impactful images under tight deadlines. These abilities ensure accurate, timely, and engaging visual reporting that informs and resonates with the public.

What is photo journalism?

Photo journalism is a form of journalism that uses photographs to tell news stories and convey information about events, people, and issues. Photojournalists capture images that document real-life moments, often in fast-paced or challenging environments, to provide visual context and support written news reports. Their work plays a crucial role in informing the public, evoking emotions, and sometimes influencing social change. Photojournalists must adhere to ethical standards to ensure their images accurately represent the subject matter. Overall, photo journalism combines storytelling, technical photography skills, and a strong sense of ethics.
More about Photo Journalism jobs
What cities are hiring for Photo Journalism jobs? Cities with the most Photo Journalism job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photo Journalism jobs? The most popular types of Photo Journalism jobs are:
What states have the most Photo Journalism jobs? States with the most job openings for Photo Journalism jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photo Journalism job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 48% Full Time, and 51% Part Time. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,978 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Oklahoma Video Journalist

Oklahoma Video Journalist

Associated Press

Oklahoma City, OK

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

 
The Associated Press seeks a nimble and enterprising video journalist to cover breaking news in Oklahoma. We're looking for a creative and innovative visual storyteller to join a team of the industry's best journalists, delivering coverage that breaks news, has impact and is exclusive to AP. We're looking for a journalist who is deeply sourced, competitive and capable of contributing across formats as news develops. This is a temporary staff position covered by AP's agreement with the News Media Guild.

Responsibilities: In this role, you'll shoot, edit and produce video, including live video. It is especially important to report across formats - including writing text stories and making still photos - to help produce a competitive and comprehensive news report for the AP's customers and audiences on digital, mobile and broadcast platforms. As a member of a round-the-clock operation, you'll be expected to jump in on breaking news around the country, as well as pitch, develop and research, collaborating with colleagues to tell stories in all formats - text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics. You may occasionally be asked to help edit and produce live video, affiliate contributions and video from other AP journalists. An ability to cover extreme weather events across Oklahoma and elsewhere is a must. The position reports to the US Assistant News Director based in Texas.

We're looking for someone who will:

  • have a great news sense, consistently generating distinctive video stories for national and global audiences.
  • develop deep sourcing across Oklahoma and aggressively pursue exclusive reporting and breaking news.
  • look for trends, offbeat topics and other subjects that will produce stories that meet the needs of digital audiences.
  • have a strong desire to cover breaking news and will be willing to travel extensively, often at short notice.
  • pursue innovative and inclusive news coverage, experimenting with new digital storytelling forms and approaching every story with ambition.
  • maintain AP's standards for integrity and objectivity.
  • be responsive to general breaking news in the region as coverage demands - including at night and on weekends - as AP is a 24/7 operation.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, such as at least two years of full-time news experience as a video journalist at a broadcast station, online or digital news outlet, daily newspaper or an AP bureau.
  • All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
  • Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
  • Advanced-level professional competency in video shooting and non-linear editing, preferably with Adobe Premiere. Expertise in Sony cameras is a plus.

 

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants should demonstrate a history of collaborating across formats on breaking news and short- and long-term projects, from start to finish. We're especially interested in journalists who have demonstrated the ability to lead with visual storytelling while also contributing aggressively to broader newsgathering efforts through reporting, source development and real-time coverage across formats. You should have strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines, in video, photo and text.

We'll consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

 
This position is covered by The Associated Press' contract with the News Media Guild. Compensation is contingent on a job candidate's skills, qualifications and market location. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan and employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.
The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits which include:
         Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
         Retirement benefits
         Company paid life insurance
         Paid vacation and sick days
         Paid parental leave for any new parent
         Mental health resources
 
Application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET, June 11, 2026.
 
AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.