Journalists and Other Writers

Journalists and other writers research, investigate, and produce written content for publication across news media, magazines, books, digital platforms, and specialist publications. They source information through interviews, observation, and archival research, then craft stories that inform, analyse, or entertain audiences according to editorial guidelines and publication standards. These roles demand strong investigative capability, subject matter expertise, and the ability to meet tight publication deadlines.

Conduct interviews with sources including public officials, experts, and witnesses to gather primary information for news stories or features. Research and verify facts using databases, archives, government records, and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Write articles, features, reviews, or opinion pieces that meet publication style guides and editorial standards. Investigate complex topics by cross-referencing multiple sources and identifying credible expert commentary. Develop story ideas and pitch them to editors with supporting evidence and narrative angles. Edit and revise own work and peer contributions to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with publication requirements. Manage deadlines by planning reporting schedules and coordinating with photographers, designers, and production teams. Fact-check and obtain legal clearance for stories that may involve defamation, privacy, or copyright considerations under Australian law.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Print journalism salaries have stalled while newsroom jobs keep shrinking. Job security is weak because publications fold or go digital-only.

Regional papers exist but offer fewer positions and lower pay. Remote freelance work is common but income is unpredictable. Government communication roles are spread across capitals but require different skills.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2124, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Active Listeningcore
• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivitycore
• Digital Literacycore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Apply desktop publishing techniques
• Check correctness of information
• Correspondence Drafting
• Email Management
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Legal Research
• Multitasking
• Negotiation
• Process Documentation

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026