How to become a Journalist
Official title: Journalists
Also called: Journalist, Video journalist, Society journalist, Culinary journalist, Broadcast journalist, Critic, Reporter, Columnist, Art critic, Chronicler, Web critic, Book critic
Journalists research, investigate, interpret and communicate news and public affairs through newspapers, television, radio and other media. They are employed by radio and television networks and stations, newspapers and magazines. Journalists may also work on a freelance basis.
Main tasks
- Collect local, national and international news through interviews, investigation and observation
- Write news stories for publication and broadcast
- Receive, analyze and verify news and other copy for accuracy
- Arrange for and conduct interviews as part of research and for radio and television programs
- Research and report on developments in specialized fields such as medicine, science and technology
- Prepare regular feature columns and stories on specialized topics
- Write editorials and commentaries on topics of current interest to stimulate public interest and express the views of a publication or broadcasting station
- Write critical reviews of literary, musical and other artistic works based on knowledge, judgement and experience
How to become one
A university degree or college diploma in journalism or a related field such as communications is usually required.
Ways in
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 14 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $71,994 a year The middle half earn $51,558 to $83,850.
- About 10,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 11,900 are projected by 2033. (+9.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Editors
- Authors and writers (except technical)
- Technical writers
- Translators, terminologists and interpreters
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Journalist?
A university degree or college diploma in journalism or a related field such as communications is usually required.
How much does a Journalist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $71,994 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $51,558 to $83,850.
Is a Journalist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 10,900 to about 11,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Journalist?
Usually. 72% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03