A career in the media industry can be exciting and financially rewarding. From being the first to report breaking news to writing about the latest fashion trends and photographing the world’s top models, there’s an endless list of opportunities to make a name for yourself. And if you have the passion and personality to shine, there’s no doubt that you’ll stand out in this competitive field.
But if you’re a recent media and communication graduate and you don’t know what path is right for you, you’ve come to the right place!
Take your pick from the top 20 media and communications careers listed below!
1. Digital Marketing Specialist
Average salary: $49,000 / £25,020
In this digital age, digital marketing specialists are more important than ever before! They’re responsible for creating a marketing strategy, a brand image, an online presence and unique content that is in demand and right for their organisation’s target audience.
2. Publishing Manager
Average salary: $59,970 / £35,890
If you’re a self-proclaimed bookworm, the idea of reading all day and discovering undeniable talent seems like more of a hobby than a real job – but you could actually get paid to do so as a publishing manager. You could choose to work for specific clients or for a single publishing house, but you will need years of experience to get to a managerial level.
3. Advertising Manager
Average salary: $58,820 / £34,250
Every successful marketing team will have an advertising manager who is in charge of the budget, promotions and strategies. They usually work closely with the marketing manager and sales team to ensure that the correct message is conveyed to the masses.
4. Sound Engineer
Average salary: $44,080 / £24,070
Sound engineers are tasked with setting up audio equipment and monitoring the operation of the equipment during a performance, event or show. You could end up working for an artist, a concert hall, TV set or radio show.
5. Blogger / Influencer
Average salary: $41,890 / £13,940
If you prefer being a lone wolf and working for yourself, you could consider becoming a blogger or social influencer. In order to successfully do so, you’ll need to establish a strong online profile in a niche area, creating connections with brands that will be willing to endorse you.
6. Media Researcher
Average salary: $51,070 / £23,860
As a media researcher, you’ll be responsible for carrying out research for different outlets, including TV, editorial and radio. This could include interviewing people, organising focus groups, carrying out surveys and finding guests for TV programmes, such as The Ellen Show.
7. Editor
Average salary: $50,000 / £27,700
If you’re like an open thesaurus and you’re a renowned grammar guru, then you should definitely consider a career in editing! As an editor, you’ll be responsible for generating article ideas; proofreading and correcting language, punctuation and grammar errors; and ensuring that the text is well-written and aligns with the overall style of the publication.
8. Content Writer
Average salary: $42,990 / £20,390
Content writing is a unique skill that’s so much more than simply adding words to paper. To be a great content specialist, you not only need to be creative and skilled in the field but also have a good understanding of SEO and who your target audience is. If you can adapt to the publication’s style of writing and churn out original content, this media career may be ideal for you!
9. Graphic Designer
Average salary: $42,720 / £21,880
As a graphic designer, you’ll be responsible for creating artwork and designs for print, websites, brochures and apps. You’ll need to have an eye for the finer details and the imagination to create new and interesting designs.
10. PR Specialist
Average salary: $46,700 / £25,210
If you have the gift of the gab and the skills to charm people, you will excel in a career in public relations. As a PR specialist, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the image of a brand, while ensuring that they receive enough media coverage and attention.
11. Digital Producer
Average salary: $59,840 / £29,700
A digital producer is otherwise known as a project manager in the creative industry. They are responsible for conducting and coordinating projects between departments, ensuring that all the requirements are met. They will usually have some design and development knowledge, and possess the skills needed to oversee such important tasks.
12. Film and Video Editor
Average salary: $45,720 / £24,030
The demand for film and video editors has been on the rise over the past decade. As we’ve moved into a digital age, more and more short clips are being produced that require expert attention and editing skills. Whether you want to create Instagram clips, memes or films, you can select your niche and build a business.
13. Social Media Specialist
Average salary: $41,440 / £21,140
If you always have your head buried into your phone and you spend hours on end scrolling through the most popular social media platforms, a career as a social media specialist could be the ideal path for you. You’ll be responsible for creating social media marketing strategies and gaining a large following, ensuring that the brand ethos is kept alive and engaged on the likes of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
14. Radio Show Host
Average salary: $43,830 / £24,070
If you’ve dreamt of presenting your own show but don’t like the idea of being on camera, and you have a passion for music, then you could host your very own radio show. You can follow in the footsteps of the legendary Howard Stern and start off by working at your campus radio station.
15. News Anchor
Average salary: $58,380 / £26,450
If you want to be in front of the camera reporting the latest news, then this media career is right up your alley! In order to succeed in this field, you’ll need a degree in media studies, communication, broadcasting or journalism. And to climb your way up the ladder, you may even start off as a runner or assistant producer for a local station.
16. Translator / Interpreter
Average salary: $46,260 / £22,600
Translators and interpreters convert written or verbal words from one language to another. This is an ideal career in communications for those who have a passion for languages and the skill to communicate effectively.
17. Journalist
Average salary: $39,260 / £23,510
A career in journalism is ideal for the creative souls that are destined to work in a fast-paced environment. As a journalist, no two days will be the same, as you’ll be working on a number of different stories. These can be for print or online media and will require great interview techniques, research abilities and excellent copywriting skills.
18. Photographer
Average salary: $43,470 / £20,760
Depending on the industry that you’ll be working in, as a photographer, you’ll be required to create different styles of photographs, such as still life, landscape, pet or fashion photography – the list is endless. The one thing that will be common throughout is the knack for new and creative ideas and the dedication to work unusual hours, including late night and weekends.
19. Brand Strategist
Average salary: $60,650 / £34,410
If you’re good at hitting the nail on the head and identifying emerging trends, then you should consider becoming a brand strategist. This role will involve heavy research and planning to ensure that the correct methods are used within a marketing campaign.
20. Web Developer
Average salary: $58,320 / £24,900
Web developers are high in demand. In the field of multimedia, you’ll be responsible for building websites for digital newspapers, downloadable magazines and apps, ensuring that all are customised for the web, mobile and tablet.
So, there you have it! The 20 hottest jobs in the media industry to date. And after reading through this list, you should know that there’s a job for everyone in the field of media, whether you’re an introvert, extrovert or somewhere in the middle!
Which job catches your eye the most? Let us know in the comments section below.
Salary information is based on data compiled and published by PayScale.