What is a Reporter or Correspondent?
Occupation Description Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.
List of Reporter or Correspondent Job Duties
- Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.
- Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.
- Write reviews of literary, musical, or other artwork, based on knowledge, judgment, or experience.
- Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff.
- Take pictures or video and process them for inclusion in a story.
- Edit or assist in editing videos for broadcast.
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What Every Reporter or Correspondent Should Know
When polled, Reporters and Correspondents say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Business Writer
- Sports Analyst
- Sports Writer
- Television Reporter (TV Reporter)
- News Correspondent
Job Opportunities for Reporters and Correspondents
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 44,700 jobs in the United States for Reporter or Correspondent. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Reporter or Correspondent. The BLS estimates 3,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Reporter or Correspondent are District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, New Hampshire, or Kentucky. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Reporter or Correspondent
The salary for Reporters and Correspondents ranges between about $23,490 and $100,930 a year.

Reporters and Correspondents who work in District of Columbia, New York, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Reporters and Correspondents in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $37,770 |
Alaska | $48,230 |
Arizona | $61,400 |
Arkansas | $32,620 |
California | $67,820 |
Colorado | $55,930 |
Connecticut | $45,130 |
Delaware | $50,580 |
District of Columbia | $100,550 |
Florida | $53,810 |
Georgia | $51,140 |
Hawaii | $43,250 |
Idaho | $34,390 |
Illinois | $53,610 |
Indiana | $46,830 |
Iowa | $32,650 |
Kansas | $47,180 |
Kentucky | $50,190 |
Louisiana | $57,990 |
Maine | $42,650 |
Maryland | $60,170 |
Massachusetts | $53,140 |
Michigan | $47,110 |
Minnesota | $51,770 |
Mississippi | $34,530 |
Missouri | $45,240 |
Montana | $29,270 |
Nebraska | $39,510 |
Nevada | $47,900 |
New Hampshire | $44,900 |
New Jersey | $61,180 |
New Mexico | $49,230 |
New York | $81,930 |
North Carolina | $41,660 |
North Dakota | $43,740 |
Ohio | $42,050 |
Oklahoma | $38,300 |
Oregon | $48,960 |
Pennsylvania | $39,600 |
South Carolina | $46,660 |
South Dakota | $32,390 |
Tennessee | $37,290 |
Texas | $45,910 |
Utah | $50,120 |
Vermont | $38,890 |
Virginia | $49,530 |
Washington | $53,980 |
West Virginia | $38,260 |
Wisconsin | $34,180 |
Wyoming | $30,900 |
What Tools do Reporters and Correspondents Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Reporters and Correspondents:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Publisher
- FileMaker Pro
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- LexisNexis
- YouTube
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- ESRI ArcView
- Social media sites
- Mapping software
Becoming a Reporter or Correspondent
What kind of Reporter or Correspondent requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Reporter or Correspondent?

Where Reporters and Correspondents Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Reporters and Correspondents work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Reporter or Correspondent may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Jfurrer via Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unreported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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