1

Reporter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Court Reporter

Salinas, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Court Reporter Realtime skills and/or certification are desirable. A pay differential is available for Realtime services. Examples of Duties Positions in this class may perform any or all of the ...

Reporter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

You are a passionate reporter with strong news judgment and a commitment to accurate, engaging storytelling. You thrive in a fast-paced newsroom, build strong relationships with sources, and ...

Reporter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

You are a passionate reporter with strong news judgment and a commitment to accurate, engaging storytelling. You thrive in a fast-paced newsroom, build strong relationships with sources, and ...

Reporter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

You are a passionate reporter with strong news judgment and a commitment to accurate, engaging storytelling. You thrive in a fast-paced newsroom, build strong relationships with sources, and ...

Reporter

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

You are a passionate reporter with strong news judgment and a commitment to accurate, engaging storytelling. You thrive in a fast-paced newsroom, build strong relationships with sources, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Reporter information

See California salary details

$11

$27

$36

How much do reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for reporter in California is $27.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 30 too old to become a journalist?

There is no age limit to becoming a reporter, and many journalists start their careers later in life. Success in journalism depends on skills such as writing, research, and adaptability, which can be developed at any age.

What qualifications do I need to be a reporter?

To become a reporter, a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is typically required. Strong writing, research, and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in digital tools and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

How do you become a reporter?

To become a reporter, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong writing and interviewing skills, and building a portfolio are important steps; proficiency with digital tools and understanding media ethics are also valuable.

What Does a Reporter Do?

A reporter—or journalist—writes and delivers news stories to the public via print, TV, internet, or radio. As a reporter, your responsibilities include investigating leads, gathering facts, speaking with eyewitnesses, and writing compelling news articles using Associated Press (AP) guidelines. You may also deliver these reports through the media broadcast television or radio, website hosting, or social media. Your job is to ensure that your story is relevant, truthful, and informative for the readers, listeners, or viewers you are trying to inform.

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

To thrive as a Reporter, you need strong writing, research, and interviewing skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, digital publishing tools, and multimedia equipment is often required. Exceptional curiosity, ethical judgment, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are crucial soft skills for success. These abilities ensure accurate, timely, and engaging news coverage that informs the public and maintains credibility.

What are some common challenges reporters face when working on tight deadlines?

Reporters frequently work under tight deadlines, which can make it challenging to verify facts thoroughly, secure interviews with key sources, and craft clear, engaging stories in a limited timeframe. Balancing speed with accuracy is essential, as mistakes can affect credibility and require corrections. Effective reporters develop strong organizational skills, maintain reliable contacts, and become adept at quickly identifying the most newsworthy angles to ensure their reporting remains both timely and trustworthy.

What is the difference between Reporter vs Journalist?

AspectReporterJournalist
CredentialsTypically a degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldOften similar; may include degrees in journalism, media, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, on-location reporting, media outletsMedia organizations, newspapers, online platforms, broadcast stations
Industry UsageCommonly used in news reporting and media outletsBroader term encompassing all media-related writing and reporting

While both reporters and journalists work in the media industry and often share similar credentials, reporters primarily focus on gathering and delivering news stories, often on the ground or in the field. Journalists have a broader role that includes research, analysis, and storytelling across various media formats. Essentially, all reporters are journalists, but not all journalists are limited to reporting; some may specialize in features, opinion pieces, or investigative work.

Do reporters make a lot of money?

Reporters' salaries vary based on experience, location, and the employer, with median annual wages around $45,000 to $50,000. Experienced reporters working for major outlets or in large markets can earn higher salaries, while entry-level positions tend to pay less. Skills in investigative reporting, multimedia, and digital tools can also influence earning potential.

What does a reporter do?

A reporter is a professional who gathers information, investigates stories, and writes or delivers news for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, or online media. Their main responsibilities include researching topics, conducting interviews, fact-checking, and presenting accurate and timely information to the public. Reporters play a crucial role in keeping society informed about local, national, and global events. They often work in fast-paced environments and must adhere to ethical journalism standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Reporter jobs in California? The most popular types of Reporter jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Reporter jobs? Cities in California with the most Reporter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Reporter jobs in CA? For Reporter jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Reporter job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,294 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description SIGNING INCENTIVE- $20,000 total for a full-time Court Reporter; $10,000 the first pay period after one full month of employment, $5,000 the first pay period after one-year anniversary, and $5,000 after two-year anniversary* FULL-TIME COURT REPORTERS START AT; pay step consistent with their experience. STUDENT LOAN AND EQUIPMENT ALLOWANCE; $10,000 for each full-time newly certified and hired court reporter; $5,000 initial payment, payable the first pay period after hire, $5,000 the first pay period after one-year anniversary. * RETENTION PAYMENT FOR CURRENT FULL-TIME COURT REPORTERS; $15,000 for each full-time Court Reporter employed as of March 1, 2025, and through the first full pay period of February 1, 2026, in a good standing with the Court and the Court of Appeals; $7,500 first full pay period following September 1, 2025: $7,500 first full pay period following February 1, 2026.

FINDERS FEE FOR COURT EMPLOYEES WHO REFER OFFICIAL COURT REPORTERS TO THE COURT; $5,000 total; $2,500 after new hire's orientation; $2,500 at new hire's one-year anniversary.* *for hires prior to July 1, 2026. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Pay Differential for Realtime Services: 4% for Court Certified, 7 % for Nationally Certified. Court Reporter State License Fee: Reimbursed at actual cost up to $200 per calendar year, subject to eligibility

Reimbursement for Annual Association Membership Fee: Reimbursed at actual cost up to $500 for the annual National Court Reporters' Association (NCRA) and/or California Court Reporter's Association (CCRA) membership fee. Reimbursement for Equipment and Software Expenses: Reimbursed at actual cost up to $600 per calendar year for the purchase of equipment, equipment maintenance, or software required for Court-assigned court reporting or captioning. Reimbursement for Convention Registration Fee: Reimbursed at actual cost up to $500 per calendar year for member cost of registration for the California Court Reporters Association (CCRA) annual convention.

Educational Assistance Policy: Up to $1000 per year. This recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled. DESCRIPTION Under direction, the official court reporter is responsible for the verbatim official record; provides readback upon request; prepares certified transcripts of the proceedings; and performs other related duties.

Employment Standards/Typical Qualifications: Certification by the California Department of Consumer Affairs Certified Shorthand Reporters Board is required. Incumbents provide and maintain the necessary equipment for the transcription of court proceedings. A valid California Driver's license may be required.

Employees in this classification may be required to use their own vehicle to travel between facilities. Court Reporter Realtime skills and/or certification are desirable. A pay differential is available for Realtime services.

Examples of Duties Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work, and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Primary work is to attend court sessions as assigned and make verbatim stenographic records of the proceedings.

Provide immediate readback of all or portions of the court proceedings upon instruction of the judge. Prepare printed, electronic or digital media transcripts of court proceedings. Review and certify transcripts for accuracy, and files transcripts of court proceedings as required by statutes and as ordered by the Court.

Prioritize requests for transcripts in order to meet legal timelines. Maintain a variety of electronic and paper files of the court record for which the reporter is directly responsible, prepares daily transcripts as needed, and provides transcripts of proceedings on request of parties or by order of the court. Serve as a relief or floater reporter when needed in any court location.

Upload court reporter notes monthly to the "Court Reporter notes archival system." Perform related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications & Examples of Experience and Training Knowledge and Abilities Any combination of education, training and/or experience which substantially demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and abilities: Knowledge of: California Law, Rules of Court, court forms and procedures that relate to court reporting services. Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation

Courtroom practices and procedures. Legal terminology, basic medical and other specialized and technical terminology required for court proceedings and protocol. Computer equipment and data processing programs.

Ability to: Hear and distinguish words spoken in varying tones and volumes. Use Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT). Record verbatim testimony at a rate certified to perform the work.

Provide read back of all or portions of the record instantaneously upon request as may be required in examination of witnesses or request of the jury. Promptly prepare transcripts of proceedings when appropriate and certify the final transcript. Safely maintain the files and notes of the court record for which court reporters are responsible.

Work independently with minimum supervision. Handle more than one task simultaneously, while maintaining a sense of direction. Maintain attention to detail; organize and prioritize work and meet critical time deadlines.

Maintain confidential information where legal standards so require. Type accurately and operate a personal computer and other types of office equipment. Use, adjust, move and perform minor maintenance of stenographic and similar equipment related to work.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Provide excellent customer service; establish and maintain effective work relationships with judges, judicial officers, professional and clerical staff, attorneys, and the general public. Be available and have reliable ways to be contacted when needed on assignment in other locations.

Keep equipment readily available and be prepared to go to another assignment in a different department or location as needed in little advance notice. EXAMPLES OF EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING The knowledge and skills listed above may be acquired through various types of experience, education, or training, typically: Education: Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth grade (high school) or GED. AND License: Possess and maintain a license as a Certified Shorthand Reporter or a license as a voice writer issued by the State of California.

Other Information OTHER REQUIREMENTS During the hours court is open for transaction of judicial business, incumbents shall not engage in, or solicit to engage in any other employment in their professional capacity. Other transcriptions not mandatory by statute must be done on own time outside of work hours. The incumbent primary duties are to attend court and transcribe transcripts that are mandatory by statute and/or ordered by the court.

Incumbents provide, move/handle and maintain their own equipment and cover the costs of transcribing the record in return for a fee set by statute. REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to: To possess and maintain an active, valid certified Shorthand Reporter license issued by the State of California. Successfully pass a background investigation.

Possess a valid current California class C license, (or) the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation approved by the hiring authority. Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Convictions, depending upon the type, number and date, may be disqualifying.

Work history: False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal. Incumbent provides and maintains, at own expense, all necessary equipment and materials to produce verbatim record, pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 10.810(b) (8) 810. Incumbent is prohibited from holding any outside employment which conflicts with providing services to the court

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS The physical and sensory abilities required for this classification include: Ability to: Sit at a desk and/or in front of a stenographic machine or computer video display terminal for extended periods of time. Hear well enough to understand faint conversation. Incumbent may be exposed to volatile courtroom situations, unpleasant odors, and/or distasteful evidence.

Twist and bend your neck while sitting at a desk in front of a stenographic machine.