What Do Data Journalists Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for data journalists?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what data journalists do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Data Journalists Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about data journalists by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Data Journalists narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Popular Job Titles For Data Journalists
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Reporters
- Multimedia Journalists
- News Reporters
- Staff Writers
- News Anchors
- Anchors
- Anchors/Reporters
- General Assignment Reporters
- Sports Reporters
- News Anchors/Reporters
- Investigative Reporters
- News Writers
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for data journalists can be found.
Best Industries for Data Journalists
Data Journalists Jobs By Industry
- Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers: 40.4%
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers: 29.2%
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations: 23%
- Motion Picture and Video Industries: 1.6%
- Education and Hospitals (State Government): 1%
- Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services: 0.8%
- Other: 4%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of data journalists can be found working in the Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers sector. In 2022, about 40.4% of all jobs for data journalists were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (29.2%), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (23%), Motion Picture and Video Industries (1.6%), Education and Hospitals (State Government) (1%) and Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services (0.8%).
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What Do Data Journalists Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what data journalists do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work data journalists do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that data journalists tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for data journalists, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Data Journalists
Based on 25,610 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Data Journalists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 13,596 | 53% |
| News Stories | 5,205 | 20% |
| Social Media | 5,065 | 20% |
| Storytelling | 2,879 | 11% |
| Content Creation | 2,702 | 11% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Data Journalists
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | 11,132 | 43% |
| Communications | 10,798 | 42% |
| Editing | 7,167 | 28% |
| Research | 6,572 | 26% |
| Ability To Meet Deadlines | 4,868 | 19% |
Based on 25,610 job postings related to data journalists, journalism was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 53% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for news stories, social media, storytelling, content creation and news anchoring were also highly sought.
As for common skills, writing was the most desired skill found in job postings for data journalists, followed by communications, editing, research, ability to meet deadlines and english language.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 13,596 | 53% |
| News Stories | 5,205 | 20% |
| Social Media | 5,065 | 20% |
| Storytelling | 2,879 | 11% |
| Content Creation | 2,702 | 11% |
| News Anchoring | 2,548 | 10% |
| News Reporting | 2,474 | 10% |
| Broadcasting | 2,403 | 9% |
| AP Stylebook | 2,263 | 9% |
| News Editing | 2,046 | 8% |
| Videography | 1,789 | 7% |
| Office Equipment | 1,741 | 7% |
| News Coverage | 1,727 | 7% |
| Photography | 1,572 | 6% |
| Live Reporting | 1,535 | 6% |
| Search Engine Optimization | 1,430 | 6% |
| Punctuation And Capitalization | 1,383 | 5% |
| Marketing | 1,228 | 5% |
| Market Size | 1,216 | 5% |
| Workflow Management | 1,201 | 5% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | 11,132 | 43% |
| Communications | 10,798 | 42% |
| Editing | 7,167 | 28% |
| Research | 6,572 | 26% |
| Ability To Meet Deadlines | 4,868 | 19% |
| English Language | 4,238 | 17% |
| Good Driving Record | 3,811 | 15% |
| Self-Motivation | 3,620 | 14% |
| Ethical Standards And Conduct | 3,307 | 13% |
| Grammar | 3,117 | 12% |
| Multitasking | 2,556 | 10% |
| Detail Oriented | 2,448 | 10% |
| Organizational Skills | 2,086 | 8% |
| Management | 1,985 | 8% |
| Leadership | 1,948 | 8% |
| Information Gathering | 1,912 | 7% |
| Sales | 1,847 | 7% |
| Lifting Ability | 1,783 | 7% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 1,651 | 6% |
| Customer Service | 1,637 | 6% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Data Journalists
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Reporters | 9,014 | 19.8% |
| Multimedia Journalists | 9,009 | 19.7% |
| News Reporters | 3,407 | 7.5% |
| Staff Writers | 2,153 | 4.7% |
| News Anchors | 1,860 | 4.1% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2021 and August 2022, the top job sought by employers was reporters, with 2,790 unique job postings. Multimedia journalists were second, with 1,199 postings, followed by news reporters, staff writers and news anchors.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to data journalists.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Reporters | 9,014 | 19.8% |
| Multimedia Journalists | 9,009 | 19.7% |
| News Reporters | 3,407 | 7.5% |
| Staff Writers | 2,153 | 4.7% |
| News Anchors | 1,860 | 4.1% |
| Anchors | 1,825 | 4% |
| Anchors/Reporters | 2,186 | 4.8% |
| General Assignment Reporters | 1,385 | 3% |
| Sports Reporters | 1,379 | 3% |
| News Anchors/Reporters | 1,285 | 2.8% |
| Investigative Reporters | 1,239 | 2.7% |
| News Writers | 624 | 1.4% |
| News Directors | 1,171 | 2.6% |
| Digital Reporters | 1,034 | 2.3% |
| Multi-Skilled Operators | 3,075 | 6.7% |
| Morning News Anchors | 810 | 1.8% |
| Breaking News Reporters | 1,070 | 2.3% |
| Journalists | 1,179 | 2.6% |
| Cooks/Cashiers | 949 | 2.1% |
| Sports Anchors/Reporters | 978 | 2.1% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for data journalists? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for data journalists.
How much do data journalists make?
Data Journalists: How do you become one?
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