How to become a Journalist
Also called: News Reporter
Collects and analyses facts about newsworthy events through interviews, investigations and observations, and then writes stories for publication in news media on platforms such as newspapers, radio, television, online platforms or combinations of these platforms.
Main tasks
- Investigates and gathers information about current events through research and observation
- Analyses and verifies facts to ensure accuracy and credibility of news stories
- Writes news stories for publication or broadcast in a news medium
- Monitors news sources and stays updated on current events to identify potential news stories
- Develops ideas or material for stories, columns or commentaries by analysing and interpreting news, current issues or personal experiences
- Attends press conferences, events and other gatherings to gather information and conduct interviews
Ways in
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing (CUA40118); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing (CUA50118)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $89,544 a year
- About 23,300 people work in this job group now, and about 27,700 are projected by 2035. (+18.7%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Journalist?
Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing; Certificate IV in Screen and Media.
How much does a Journalist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $89,544 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Journalist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 23,300 to about 27,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Journalist?
Usually. 75% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Journalist?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04