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Photojournalism Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DeLeon Realty

Photographer + Editor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degrees or equivalent experience in photography, photojournalism, fine art photography, or visual media. * At least 2+ years of experience in photo editing. * Basic video filming and post ...

DeLeon Realty

Photographer + Editor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$80/hr

Bachelor's degrees or equivalent experience in photography, photojournalism, fine art photography, or visual media. * At least 2+ years of experience in photo editing. * Basic video filming and post ...

Iron Mountain

Multimedia Specialist II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$23/hr

A Bachelor's Degree or technical certificate from an accredited multi-media, film, photojournalism, graphics, or archive management program is highly preferred (or equivalent practical experience)

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Photojournalism information

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$5

$64

$123

How much do photojournalism jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for photojournalism in California is $64.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.64 and $78.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is photojournalism?

A photojournalism job involves capturing and reporting news events through photography. Photojournalists work for newspapers, magazines, online media, or as freelancers, covering breaking news, politics, sports, and human-interest stories. They must be skilled in photography, storytelling, and editing while adhering to ethical journalism standards. The job often requires traveling, quick decision-making, and the ability to work in challenging environments.

What does a photojournalist do?

A typical day for a photojournalist can vary greatly depending on their assignment, but generally involves traveling to locations, capturing newsworthy events or human-interest stories, and working closely with reporters or editors. Photojournalists often conduct interviews, research background information, and quickly edit and submit images to meet publication deadlines. Many days involve unpredictable schedules, responding to breaking news, and collaborating with newsroom teams to ensure accurate and timely coverage. This dynamic environment offers daily variety and the opportunity to make a tangible impact by visually documenting important events.

What skills and qualifications are needed for photojournalism?

To thrive in photojournalism, you need strong photography skills, an understanding of journalistic ethics, and often a degree in journalism, photography, or a related field. Mastery of digital cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and familiarity with content management systems are typically required. Outstanding soft skills include curiosity, resilience, adaptability, and effective communication, especially under tight deadlines or in challenging environments. These abilities are crucial for capturing impactful images that tell compelling stories while upholding journalistic standards.

Can I be a photojournalist without a degree?

Photojournalism is a field where a formal degree is not strictly required; many successful photojournalists have gained skills through self-education, internships, or apprenticeships. Building a strong portfolio, mastering photography tools, and gaining experience are often more important than formal education for entry into the profession.

How do you become a photojournalist?

To become a photojournalist, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism, photography, or a related field, and develop strong skills in photography, storytelling, and editing. Gaining experience through internships, building a diverse portfolio, and mastering camera equipment and editing software are essential steps in establishing a career in photojournalism.

How much money do photojournalists make?

Photojournalists' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, with median annual earnings typically ranging from $30,000 to $70,000. Experienced professionals working for major media outlets or in high-demand areas can earn higher salaries, and freelance photojournalists may have variable income depending on assignments and clients.

What jobs can you get with photojournalism?

Photojournalism skills can lead to careers such as news photographer, magazine photographer, documentary photographer, or freelance photojournalist. These roles involve capturing images for newspapers, magazines, online media, or independent projects, often requiring proficiency with cameras and editing software. Many photojournalists work in fast-paced environments and may need to meet deadlines regularly.

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

The most popular types of Photojournalism jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Photojournalism jobs in California?

For Photojournalism jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photojournalism jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Photojournalism jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Photojournalism jobs?

Cities in California with the most Photojournalism job openings:

Photojournalism jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photojournalism job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, and 83% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,355 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Visual Journalist Intern (Photo + Video), Snappr News

Snappr

San Francisco, CA

$25/hr

Internship

Re-posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Report visually in the field on breaking news, events, portraits, features, and stories related to technology and its impact.

  • Produce photo and video content on assignment, including quick coverage and short-form storytelling, and write accurate captions for each media piece.

  • Tag and package all visual content correctly in the proprietary Snappr News app, adhering to photojournalistic ethics and standards.

Job description

About Snappr News
Snappr is the one-stop-shop for visual content for brands, including the largest on-demand marketplace for photographers and videographers. Snappr News is a new product line: an editorial photo and video product launching in 2026, starting with technology news in the San Francisco Bay Area. We will cover the top tech stories of the day with stunning visuals that can’t be found anywhere else. You’ll play a leading role in shaping the product and business model from the ground up, and helping define how the world gets visuals for the moments that matter. This is our first ever internship position for this product.
 
The Role
You’ll work alongside the Snappr News team to cover broad tech news and tech’s impact across San Francisco and the Bay Area: companies, founders, workers, money, culture, policy, and the on-the-ground moments that explain what’s actually happening - beyond the press releases.
 
This is a photo and video capture internship. You won’t need to edit - we have a whole backend platform for that!
You’ll get a front seat view of the early days of a new product at a fast growing technology startup!
What You'll Do:
  • Report visually in the field: breaking news, events, portraits, features, and “tech meets real life” stories.
  • Deliver fast: often same-day, frequently within hours, occasionally immediately when news breaks.
  • Produce both photo and video on assignment: from quick hit coverage to short-form storytelling.
  • Write complete, accurate captions for every photo/video: names, titles, dates, locations, context - no guessing. Use AI tools responsibly to speed up your writing and tagging without sacrificing quality.
  • Tag and package everything correctly in the proprietary Snappr News app: keywords, locations, people/companies, and legal information.
  • Operate according to photojournalistic ethics and standards.
  • Receive coaching from experienced photographers.
Must-Haves:
  • Strong photographic portfolio (street photography is a good proxy if you don’t have experience in photojournalism specifically).
  • Solid video shooting skills.
  • Extreme attention to detail.
  • Charismatic and love meeting new people.
  • Calm under pressure.
  • Patient.
 
Strong Preference:
  • Studying a relevant field at a local university (preference to Berkeley and Stanford).
  • Experience in photojournalism (e.g. school photojournalism).
  • Motorbike license (or willing to get one). We have company bikes.
 
Gear
We provide top-end gear. If you prefer, we will consider allowing you to use your own kit if it’s full-frame and compatible with our hardware and remote transfer requirements.
 
Schedule
8-12 weeks over summer - flexible depending on school schedule. Mostly Mon-Fri, with occasional weekend assignments and on-call. Must be flexible for evening events and fast-breaking coverage.
 
Compensation & Benefits
•$25 per hour (40 hours per week).
•Approved travel expenses covered where needed.