Music Journalists
Overview
Introduction
Music journalists report on the latest music releases and public performances of all genres. Their work appears in print and online newspapers and magazines, on social media channels and blogs, and in radio or television broadcasts. They work on periodical staffs or as freelance writers. The U.S. Department of Labor does not have specific data for music journalists, but it provides information on reporters and correspondents, as well as writers, all of which have similar tasks and skills. There are approximately 49,800 reporters and...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
There are great variations in the earnings of music journalists. Salaries are related to experience, the type and size of media outlet for which the writer works, and geographic location.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for reporters was $57,500 in May 2023. The lowest paid 10 percent of these workers earned $31,550 or less per year, while the highest paid 10...
Work Environment
Music journalists have sometimes glamorous jobs, getting tickets to sold-out shows, hearing new albums before they are released to the public, or interviewing popular rock stars, bands, and other musicians. However, these reporters work under a great deal of pressure in settings that differ from the typical business office. Their physical surroundings range from private offices to noisy, crowde...
Outlook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that employment of journalists, reporters, and news analysts will decline by 3 percent from 2023 through 2033, due to the continued consolidation of magazines and newspapers and resulting budget and staff cuts. Specialty writers such as music journalists, however, may experience better employment opportunities due to their expertise and knowle...