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Job outlook for publishers in the United States
Are publisher jobs in demand?
Publisher job and salary trends over time
Publisher jobs over time
Publisher job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 835 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 878 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 903 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 901 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 911 | 0.00% |
Average publisher salary over time
Publisher salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $71,539 | $34.39 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $69,248 | $33.29 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $67,116 | $32.27 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $66,314 | $31.88 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $64,554 | $31.04 | +2.1% |
Publisher jobs by state
Most common states for publishers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 195 | 28% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 303 | 5% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 30 | 5% |
| 4 | New York | 19,849,399 | 732 | 4% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 375 | 4% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 287 | 4% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 173 | 4% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 27 | 4% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 24 | 4% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 192 | 3% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 52 | 3% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 20 | 3% |
| 13 | California | 39,536,653 | 849 | 2% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 269 | 2% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 204 | 2% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 189 | 2% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 117 | 2% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 63 | 2% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 29 | 2% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 24 | 2% |
Most common cities for publishers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $76,789 |
| 2 | Fort Smith | 1 | 1% | $64,388 |
| 3 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $78,035 |
| 4 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $76,990 |
| 5 | Irving | 1 | 0% | $67,595 |
Publisher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of publisher experts
The University of Findlay
Western Kentucky University
Montclair State University
New Mexico State University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
American University
Butler University
University of Oregon
Furman University
University of Central Missouri
The University of Kansas
California University of Pennsylvania
Bucknell University
University of Oregon
What will help Publishers increase their earning potential?
Amy Rogan: People working in journalism probably most dislike the hours and the pay but it’s truly one of the most rewarding fields to work in. It can be stressful but also exciting and challenging. Whether at the local level or a larger stage, it’s truly a service to your community to provide vital information.
What general advice would you give to a Publisher?
Professor Mac McKerral: Producing quality journalism is not easy. It’s hard work and requires a variety of skills, all of which contribute to quality journalism. The writing, reporting and editing must all be in balance and strong. Anyone can be a journalist these days. But not everyone should. Continue to learn on the job. Find a good mentor/editor and milk that individual for everything he or she can offer. If you want to write about yourself rather than others, seek a different career. Your first job might not be your ideal job, but it will be the ticket to your ideal job. Approach every assignment, regardless of how menial, as if it is the most important story ever. You cannot pick and choose what you want to do well. Anything you report will impact someone. Always remember that. Develop a visceral hate for mistakes. Know what your ethical line in the sand is before you are faced with an ethical conundrum. Understanding where you stand before making ethical decisions will enhance your chances of making the right choice.
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin
Associate Professor, Multimedia JournalismMontclair State University
Radio, Television, And Digital Communication
What general advice would you give to a Publisher?
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin: In the media industry, making substantial income right from the start can be particularly challenging. However, by cultivating a strong network, seeking guidance from mentors and sources, and securing top internships, you can enhance your prospects of landing a position at a solid media outlet, where earning potential may be greater. I believe strongly in having several side hustles at all times. By maintaining side hustles, it can provide supplementary income and also be a way to nurture your passion if your main gig is not doing it for you. For early career professionals, I advocate prioritizing skill development and pursuing your passions, rather than fixating solely on monetary gain. Instead of focusing on immediate financial rewards, concentrate on gaining valuable experience and recognition for your work. While this may require patience, it ultimately lays a solid foundation for long-term success. In the grand scheme of things, prioritizing experience and long-term growth over immediate financial gain is solid advice when trying to build a sustainable career in the media industry.
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Associate Professor Thomas Franklin: In the area of multimedia storytelling, versatility is paramount. Much like a Swiss Army knife, having a diverse skill set is invaluable. While it's beneficial to cultivate expertise in a specific area, especially as you progress in your career, starting out often calls for a broader approach. Exploring a range of skills and interests allows you to discover your true passion before committing wholeheartedly. Once you've identified your passion, devote yourself to it wholeheartedly and strive to become an expert. However, don't overlook the importance of putting in the time to develop those skills. Whatever path you choose, continually seek out innovative ways to improve and refine your craft. Embrace creativity and experimentation, always pushing yourself to do better and explore new horizons.
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Darren Phillips M.A.: First and foremost, I would advise journalists starting out to be curious and to read, read, and read some more. The best storytellers are voracious consumers of information — credible information — and they’re infinitely curious about world events, politics, history, and the like. Knowledge is power. It’s also marketability. Be an expert, or at least know enough about the wider world to be able to bring relevant context and nuance to your work. This requires you to read. For journalism students still in school, this also means taking elective courses in government and economics, geography, and other subjects outside your major that will help you make greater sense of complex topics. Reading and just a life-long commitment to learning are so important.
What will help Publishers increase their earning potential?
Darren Phillips M.A.: Maximizing salary potential as a media professional starts with everything I’ve already mentioned. Journalists and even PR and advertising professionals must be extremely well informed on a broad range of topics. This starts with reading and just being a voracious media consumer. This also requires one to think critically, to consume media from disparate sources, to not shy away from contrarian viewpoints, and to work hard and in good faith to synthesize information responsibly. This ties in with maintaining strict allegiance to industry best practices including media ethics. Reputation is everything. Make sure your employers, prospective employers, and clients all understand and appreciate your professional integrity and just your commitment to truth and accuracy. Moreover, embrace change, lean into technological change, and become a bit of a techno geek. Work hard making contacts and building a professional network. Work hard, generally. Hard work goes a long way in any vocation. Beyond that, attend industry conferences, pay close attention to your online presence, curate your social media profiles carefully and put some real time and thought into things like your LinkedIn profile and online portfolio. Lastly, don’t be put off by rejection. Rejection comes with the territory in any competitive career field. Believe in yourself, stay positive, stay open minded, learn all you can, read like crazy, keep grinding, and success will follow eventually.
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Students will need to become more digital and Social Media savvy. As digital platforms continue to reshape how audiences consume news and information, digital and social media proficiency will be increasingly crucial. However, Multimedia Storytelling must be a cornerstone of our industry. Integrating multimedia elements such as video, audio, graphics, and interactive elements will become more prevalent in broadcast journalism. Professionals who can tell compelling stories using a combination of multimedia formats will be in high demand. I always encourage students to enroll in Data Visualization courses. The ability to extract meaningful insights from data and present them visually engagingly will help broadcasters provide deeper insights and context to their stories. We must remember Mobile Journalism (MoJo). Using your mobile devices to capture, edit, and publish news content will become a standard for journalists. Last but not least, journalists must build meaningful connections with audiences through interactive storytelling, live chats, audience polls, and user-generated content will become increasingly important. Broadcasters who can foster active engagement and dialogue with their audience will be able to cultivate loyal viewership and build community around their content.
Assistant Amy Eisman
Assistant ProfessorAmerican University
Arts, Entertainment, And Media Management
What general advice would you give to a Publisher?
Assistant Amy Eisman: One skill is easy: be flexible. The technology is changing at lightning speed. At the moment, it helps to be strong at data journalism and understanding emergent technology, such as AI. Topic areas of interest include climate coverage, health and education. It also helps to be a great team player; the speed of news means you rarely work alone. Overall, make sure you embrace the basics in the field: accuracy, fairness, transparency, independence and accountability. Be a solid writer and an even better editor and producer. No one can predict what is next for technology. Employers therefore will look for people who uphold the values of the past, are enthusiastic about the present and are curious about the future.
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Assistant Amy Eisman: As others have said, the career track is a jungle gym, not a ladder. Acquire new skill sets wherever you go, then use them in the next job. And be great at whatever task you take on. Even if you are in an entry-level position, ace it, impress your colleagues, and be the person everyone wants on their team. The field is changing. That is not a secret. Many of the changes are overdue. There is more focus on trauma-informed reporting, for example, and on rethinking how we treat sources. There is more focus on bringing multiple voices into the fold and healthy debates about the role of identity. There is a deep focus, as there should be, on investigative journalism and on keeping citizens informed in a democracy. Be the best at your job. Don't burn bridges behind you.
What general advice would you give to a Publisher?
Joseph Valenzano III: Beginning a career must always come with the understanding that your first job is not your career, and it won’t pay you as much as you might think. Maximizing your potential in this scenario depends on many variables, some of which you cannot control. The ones you can control are the quality of your writing samples, having a record of published work in outlets (including the school paper), the clarity of your resume, and the strength of your interview. It also would be helpful to do homework on the market, the employer, and any data on comparisons you can collect. This can help you calibrate your expectations in advance of any offer. One don’t in this process: don’t expect to have a simple 9-5 job; going the extra mile when asked, and even when not asked, can help demonstrate your value to the employer and accelerate the rate of your growth in the industry as well.
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Valenzano III: Entering the field of journalism right now could seem like a daunting task, but if you approach it with the curiosity, tenacity and understanding that led you to the profession you will be successful. Do not be afraid to start at a small paper, magazine, or outlet. Good work breeds new opportunities, and so don’t write for what you think the reputation of the outlet is; rather write the best stories you can for your audience. If you make mistakes—and you will—own them, acknowledge them, fix them if you can, and use them to grow. Above all, do not ever stop writing. The best free throw shooters in basketball practice their craft every day. Writing is your craft, practice it. Finally, read and then read more. Reading makes you a better writer.
What will help Publishers increase their earning potential?
Joseph Valenzano III: In the developing field of journalism some classic skills will never cease to be important, but new skills will also become more essential. Writing and the ability to edit your own work will always be crucial to a journalist, as will fact-checking and copyediting. Clean, accurate, engaging writing and the ability to interview and engage with sources and stories will always be the coin of the realm. That said, more and more journalists need to be well versed in multimedia skills and social media. Writing in these formats is different than writing in column spaces for a paper, and so learning how to translate stories to these media is becoming a skill that separates good journalists from great ones. Additionally, video skills such as editing and shooting for short formats is also becoming more important as journalists are often asked to do most, if not all, of the tasks associated with producing a video story.
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Damian Radcliffe: Negotiate. Ask for more money. If that’s not forthcoming, can you negotiate a training budget, more PTO, flexible working hours or the ability to WFH a few days a week? Your negotiating position is often at its strongest when you start in a role and not enough people realize that.
Professor Margaret Oakes
Professor of EnglishFurman University
English Language And Literature
What general advice would you give to a Publisher?
Professor Margaret Oakes: Understand that you should be looking at a salary mid-career, not right now. And look at the possibility for promotion in your place of work - a small family business will not be able to or be interested in promoting you to a leadership position, so think about if you will need to move up or out.
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Margaret Oakes: The ability to read carefully and analytically. This is a skill that has declined in the past couple of decades as people obtain more information visually - but a visual presentation cannot carry the amount of detail that written language can, and carelessness in the use of language causes a world of problems in every area of human life (law, medicine, politics, etc.).
What will help Publishers increase their earning potential?
Professor Margaret Oakes: Our graduates have such a variety of careers with an English major that this is hard to answer. But perhaps this is the answer - English majors have such widely applicable skills that they need to be alert to how they can be applied almost anywhere, and be prepared to sell their skills to a potential employer.
Joe Moore Ph.D.
Professor of Communication Program Coordinator, Digital Media ProductionUniversity of Central Missouri
Department of Communication
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joe Moore Ph.D.: Versatility is going to be critical. Radio stations are no longer 'mobile jukeboxes', television stations aren't just talking heads, newspapers aren't only in print. If you want to work for a newspaper, know how to produce a podcast. If you are going to work in radio, be able to develop and produce a video news package. If you are going to work in television, know AP Style and how to write. All upcoming journalists should consider themselves multimedia journalists who can write, film, record, edit and produce.
Steve Rottinghaus
Career and outreach coordinatorThe University of Kansas
William Allen White School of Journalism
What general advice would you give to a Publisher?
Steve Rottinghaus: A journalist’s work varies daily because of the wide range of stories they tell. Journalists research, interview sources, gather information, edit and produce content on various media platforms on tight deadlines throughout the day.
What Publisher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Steve Rottinghaus: It is important for a journalist to provide valuable information on current events to community members and hold public officials accountable. News consumption is in high demand.
What will help Publishers increase their earning potential?
Steve Rottinghaus: Journalists like creating content that matters to a community and helping community members make decisions based on facts. They enjoy meeting different people and telling their stories. In a 24/7 news cycle, the time commitment can become overwhelming. Working nights, weekends, and holidays are common, especially in smaller news organizations.
What type of skills will young Publishers need?
Dr. Christina Fisanick: College graduates in 2021 and beyond, need all of the skills that English programs have to offer: critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, and flexibility. New hires need to be able to adapt to workplace changes quickly and with aplomb, which requires critical thinking and problem solving and the ability to communicate those solutions to a diverse audience clearly and effectively. Those skills are refined and practiced regularly in English programs.
Sarah Bell
Senior Associate Director, CounselingBucknell University
Center for Career Advancement
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Publishers?
Sarah Bell: It is hard to know for certain what the impact will be as the pandemic is a new experience; it is not finished, nor are its effects on the economy and employment. In our experience at Bucknell during the most recent downturns in the economy in 2001 and 2008, we saw that the negative effects on our graduate's job prospects did not endure. The graduates from those particular years have shared with us that the job search took longer than expected, and they needed to be more flexible, but they were able to eventually find work.
Cristina Calhoon
Senior Career Instructor, Undergraduate AdvisorUniversity of Oregon
Department of Classics
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Publishers to find work opportunities?
Cristina Calhoon: The skills that Classics graduates learn (good communication skills; careful, clear, and well-organized oral and written presentation; research, comparison, and analysis of ancient sources; linguistic proficiency in more than one language) make them flexible and adaptable. Graduate school is the goal of many of our graduates, who complete law and medical degrees in prestigious programs throughout the nation.
Some also do very well in business school, where the breadth of their academic background, the adaptability of their skills, and their analytical and communication proficiency make them highly competitive with respect to graduates from strictly pre-professional programs.
In addition to occupations in all levels of education, academic research, and archeology, some Classics graduates have also established careers in management, public relations, fundraising, administration, as well as a library, archival, and museum work, while some have also created opportunities for themselves in computer occupations, arts, and media.