51113 - Journalists
Broad Occupation Category
5 - Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport.
TEER
1 - Occupations usually require a university degree.
Major Group
51 - Professional occupations in art and culture.
Sub-major Group
511 - Professional occupations in art and culture.
Minor Group
5111 - Writing, translating and related communications professionals.
Main Job Duties
Journalists research, produce, and present news and feature stories across media platforms:
- Collect local, national, and international news through interviews, investigation, and research
- Write and edit news articles for print, digital, and broadcast media
- Verify facts and ensure accuracy of information before publication
- Conduct interviews for newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms
- Report on specialized topics such as politics, science, health, and technology
- Prepare feature stories, columns, and investigative reports
- Write editorials, commentaries, and opinion pieces
- Produce reviews of books, films, art, and cultural events
- Collaborate with editors, producers, and multimedia teams
- Adapt content for digital and social media platforms
- Meet strict deadlines in fast-paced news environments
- Maintain ethical and professional journalism standards
Employment Requirements
These are the typical employment requirements and qualifications for this occupation in Canada:
- A university degree or college diploma in journalism, communications, or a related field is usually required.
- Practical experience through internships, freelance work, or entry-level reporting roles is often preferred.
- Strong writing, research, and investigative skills are essential.
- Knowledge of multimedia storytelling and digital media tools is increasingly important.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments is required.
- Understanding of media ethics and journalistic standards is essential.
- Experience in specialized reporting areas (e.g., business, health, technology) may be an asset.
- Foreign-trained professionals may require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Eligibility for immigration pathways depends on education, experience, and language proficiency.
Journalist Salary Prospects
Community/Area
Low ($/hour)
Median ($/hour)
High ($/hour)
Community/AreaCanada
Low ($/hour)20.19
Median ($/hour)32.00
High ($/hour)48.08
Community/AreaAlberta
Low ($/hour)17.18
Median ($/hour)30.99
High ($/hour)49.73
Community/AreaBritish Columbia
Low ($/hour)29.10
Median ($/hour)34.13
High ($/hour)45.67
Community/AreaNew Brunswick
Low ($/hour)20.69
Median ($/hour)28.60
High ($/hour)40.12
Community/AreaNewfoundland and Labrador
Low ($/hour)20.05
Median ($/hour)27.13
High ($/hour)41.92
Community/AreaNova Scotia
Low ($/hour)18.26
Median ($/hour)29.53
High ($/hour)45.61
Community/AreaOntario
Low ($/hour)21.54
Median ($/hour)38.46
High ($/hour)51.28
Community/AreaQuebec
Low ($/hour)25.00
Median ($/hour)31.00
High ($/hour)35.90
Community/AreaSaskatchewan
Low ($/hour)17.31
Median ($/hour)25.00
High ($/hour)32.22
