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Visual Journalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Photographer/Videographer

Athens, GA · On-site

The Athens Banner-Herald, part of USA Today Co. and the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a highly skilled, digitally savvy, experienced visual journalist to join our team and create distinctive visual ...

The Banner

Visuals Director

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Lead the day-to-day visual journalism workflow for The Banner's newsroom, including photography, illustration, design, multimedia, and freelance visual work. * Manage, coach, and support staff ...

The Banner

Visuals Director

Baltimore, MD

Lead the day-to-day visual journalism workflow for The Banner's newsroom, including photography, illustration, design, multimedia, and freelance visual work. * Manage, coach, and support staff ...

The Guardian

Graphics Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Take the day-to-day lead in producing impactful visual journalism from single statics, through to packages of visuals for quick-turnaround projects and longer term interactive features with a focus ...

The Guardian

Graphics Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Take the day-to-day lead in producing impactful visual journalism from single statics, through to packages of visuals for quick-turnaround projects and longer term interactive features with a focus ...

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Visual Journalist information

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$49K

$57.5K

$64.5K

How much do visual journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual journalist in the United States is $57,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Visual Journalist, you need strong storytelling abilities, proficiency in photography and videography, and a background in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite and experience with digital publishing platforms are typically required. Curiosity, creativity, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure that complex stories are communicated clearly and compellingly to engage and inform diverse audiences.

What is a Visual Journalist?

A visual journalist is a professional who tells news stories primarily through visual elements such as photography, video, infographics, and illustrations. They combine journalistic skills like reporting and interviewing with expertise in visual storytelling to convey information in engaging and accessible ways. Visual journalists often work for media outlets, news organizations, or as freelancers, and their work helps audiences better understand complex topics through compelling visuals.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, senior roles such as senior visual journalists, multimedia directors, or lead content creators can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, strong portfolios, and advanced skills in digital storytelling, data visualization, and editing tools. These positions often require a combination of creative talent, technical proficiency, and leadership responsibilities.

Is AI going to replace journalism?

As a visual journalist, AI tools can assist with data analysis, image editing, and content generation, but they are unlikely to fully replace the creativity, critical thinking, and ethical judgment required in journalism. Human oversight remains essential for verifying facts and providing context. AI is more likely to serve as a complementary tool rather than a complete replacement in the field.

What is the difference between Visual Journalist vs Photojournalist?

AspectVisual JournalistPhotojournalist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in journalism, media, or related fields; skills in multimedia storytellingOften requires a background in photography, journalism, or visual arts; strong photography skills
Work EnvironmentWorks across various media platforms, including print, digital, and broadcast, often in newsrooms or media outletsPrimarily works in the field capturing images for news stories, agencies, or publications
Industry UsageUsed in news organizations, online media, and multimedia outlets for storytellingCommonly employed by news agencies, newspapers, and magazines for visual coverage

While both roles focus on visual storytelling within journalism, a Visual Journalist combines multimedia skills to create comprehensive stories across platforms, whereas a Photojournalist primarily captures images to support news narratives. The roles often overlap, but the Visual Journalist has a broader scope in digital and multimedia storytelling.

What does a visual journalist do?

A visual journalist creates visual content such as photographs, videos, infographics, and multimedia stories to communicate news and information effectively. They often use tools like cameras, editing software, and data visualization programs, and work in fast-paced environments to support storytelling through visual means.

How do Visual Journalists typically collaborate with reporters and editors throughout the storytelling process?

Visual Journalists work closely with reporters and editors from the initial story planning phase to final publication. They attend editorial meetings to discuss story angles, coordinate on-site coverage, and ensure that visuals complement and enhance the written narrative. Collaboration often involves brainstorming visual approaches, sharing real-time updates from the field, and revising graphics or photographs based on editorial feedback. This teamwork ensures the final story is cohesive, engaging, and accurate.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

A visual journalist can potentially earn around $3,000 a month through freelance assignments, content creation, or contract work, especially if they have strong skills in photography, video editing, and storytelling. Many such roles require a portfolio and proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite but do not necessarily require a formal degree. Income varies based on experience, location, and the volume of work secured.
More about Visual Journalist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Journalist jobs? The most popular types of Visual Journalist jobs are:
What states have the most Visual Journalist jobs? States with the most job openings for Visual Journalist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Visual Journalist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Visual Journalist jobs are:
Visual Journalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Journalist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 21% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 78% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,499 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Photographer/Videographer

Photographer/Videographer

gannett

Athens, GA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 68 rated media

Job description

The Athens Banner-Herald, part of USA Today Co. and the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a highly skilled, digitally savvy, experienced visual journalist to join our team and create distinctive visual storytelling across platforms. 

This journalist will use visuals, with a heavy emphasis on video, to inform and engage our key audiences, as well as illustrate the must-read journalism produced by the newsroom. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative and fluent in digital journalism tools with an emphasis on fast, high-quality video production and photo galleries for breaking news, enterprise coverage, and sports. They will cover daily assignments for sports, news, public safety, politics, features, and more. They will bring their own original ideas to the table and take initiative to pitch and execute compelling visual stories that serve audience needs. Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism. 

This position will work a Tuesday – Saturday shift, with flexible hours that depend on that day's assignments.  

What you’ll do  

  • Produce, shoot, and edit high-quality video and still images that accurately inform and engage our audience.
  • Develop and pitch timely visual story ideas, including videos, photo galleries, and other multimedia.
  • Quickly turn around video and still images for assignments, often filing from the field and juggling multiple projects.  
  • Use audience metrics to shape coverage decisions and refine visual storytelling.
  • Maintain and regularly update visuals on digital platforms to keep coverage current and relevant.
  • Build strong relationships with editors, reporters, and the community, contributing to coverage plans and newsroom collaborations.
  • Be a resource for the newsroom, helping to develop relevant trainings and workshops for reporters looking to develop their own visual skills  
  • Serve as the primary photographer for University of Georgia sports for the Athens Banner-Herald and the USA Today Network.

What you’ll bring  

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 
  • 2 years of professional experience in visual journalism and video creation
  • Strong news judgment, planning skills, and attention to detail. 
  • Proven ability to prioritize, multitask, and pivot quickly as news and assignments change. 
  • Proficiency in SEO and optimization for visuals
  • High-level communication, time management, and planning skills 
  • Openness to feedback and commitment to continual improvement.  
  • Willingness to work nights, weekends, and travel as news and sports require.
  • Build strong relationships with editors, reporters, and the community, contributing to coverage plans and newsroom collaborations.

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.    Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

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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