TrekFunTrek

Updated on 29 Nov 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Barnwal

Hey friends! Have you ever thought about getting paid to explore amazing places around the world? Let’s dive into the exciting world of travel journalism salaries – it’s where awesome adventures meet cool paychecks!

Travel Journalism Salaries

Quick Stats on Average Salaries:

So, here’s the thing: I learned that travel journalists in the U.S. make about $71,789 a year on average. That’s a lot of money for travelling and writing stories, don’t you think? But remember, this is just an average. Some travel journalists earn more, and some earn less. Wave Accounting has a great list of travel writing jobs for beginners, which is a good starting point for understanding the pay range.

Hourly Rates and Annual Trends

If we talk about hourly rates, it’s around $34.51. Imagine making that kind of money while you’re having fun in a place like Paris or exploring the mountains! But these numbers keep changing, especially with all the cool stuff happening in digital media. Travel journalists are always finding new and exciting ways to make money. For more on this, check out Goats On The Road, where they list 99 travel publications that pay up to $4,000.

What Factors Influence Salaries?

Experience, Location, and Skill Level

Experience Counts:

Starting Out

When you’re just starting as a travel journalist, like me, the pay isn’t huge. But that’s okay because we’re just beginning our adventure, right? That Travel Blog offers insights into publications that pay for travel writing, which is perfect for beginners.

Mid-Career

As you travel more and write more stories, guess what? The money gets better! It’s like levelling up in a game. More experience means a bigger paycheck.

Seasoned Pros

The travel journalists who have been doing this for a long time? They make really good money. It’s like a reward for all their amazing adventures and stories.

Location Matters:

High-Cost Cities

Ever noticed that people in big cities like New York or San Francisco seem to have more money? That’s because it’s more expensive to live there, so they get paid more.

Global Variations

Travel journalism is a worldwide thing. Salaries change a lot from one country to another, depending on how much things cost there and how many stories people want to read.

Remote Work Impact

Nowadays, lots of people work from wherever they want, even from their homes! This is changing how much travel journalists make, and it’s pretty cool. Location Indie shares some companies that hire travel writers and gives you an idea of how much they pay.

Skill Level and Specialization:

Niche Expertise

If you’re really good at writing about a special kind of travel, like adventures in the jungle or luxury resorts, you can make more money.

Multifaceted Skills

Can you take awesome photos or make cool videos while writing your stories? That can help you earn even more!

Language Skills

If you can speak more than one language, that’s a huge plus. It means you can write stories for more people and, yes, get paid more for it.

And that’s what I found out about how travel journalists make their money. It’s all about where you are, what you can do, and how long you’ve been exploring and writing. Isn’t that exciting?

Top Paying Cities for Travel Journalists

Spotlight on San Jose, CA, and Oakland, CA

Hey guys! Did you know some cities are like treasure chests for travel journalists? Take San Jose and Oakland in California. These cities are amazing for travel writers. They pay a lot because it’s pretty pricey to live there. So, if you’re writing stories in these cities, you’re in for a good treat!

Salary Differences Across Major Cities

But here’s the thing – not all cities pay the same. In some big places, travel journalists make a lot of money. In others, not so much. It’s like every city decides how much to pay us adventurers who write.

Breaking Down the Salary Range

Understanding the Common Salary Range

Okay, so most travel journalists earn an amount that’s somewhere between ‘okay’ and ‘wow, that’s awesome!’ The pay can vary a lot. It really depends on how skilled you are and your experience level. Glassdoor gives a good idea of the different salaries out there.

What Top Earners in the Field Make

The really experienced travel journalists, the ones who’ve been doing this for years, earn big bucks. We’re talking about a super impressive salary. It’s like being a superstar in the world of travel writing.

Related Jobs in Journalism with Higher Salaries

Exploring Similar Fields with Better Pay

Now, if you’re curious about other journalism jobs that pay more, there’s a lot to explore. Some journalists who report big news or work on TV, earn more than us travel writers. It’s like having different kinds of yummy ice cream – some flavours are just more popular. For more on journalism salaries, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How These Roles Compare to Travel Journalism:

Sure, these jobs might offer more money, but travel journalism has its awesome perks. It’s about choosing between a bigger paycheck and experiencing amazing adventures around the world. For me, getting paid to write about my travel experiences? That’s living the dream!

And that’s the inside scoop on the best cities for travel journalism pay, what we can expect to earn, and how it compares to other journalism jobs.

Future of Travel Journalism Salaries

Trends and Predictions

Guys! Ever wonder what’s next for travel journalists like us in terms of money? It’s super exciting! People are saying that as more folks read our stories online, we might start making more dough. It’s like our adventures and words are getting more valuable because everyone’s hooked to their screens, reading and exploring the world through us.

How Digital Media Impacts Salaries

Let me tell you, digital media is totally changing the game. We’ve got websites, blogs, and social media – so many cool ways to share our journeys. And the best part? This could mean more cash for us travel writers! It’s like having a bunch of new doors to open, each leading to awesome opportunities. The better we get at using these digital platforms, the more we can earn. For more on this, check out Pew Research Center’s Journalism & Media for insights on digital media trends.

Conclusion: Is Travel Journalism Worth It?

Balancing Passion and Pay

Okay, so is being a travel journalist all worth it? It’s not just about the paycheck, you know. Sure, earning money is cool, but it’s also about loving the journey. It’s choosing a life where you get to see amazing places, meet incredible people, and share their stories. And if you can earn some cash while doing what you love? That’s like hitting the jackpot!

Final Thoughts on Career Prospects

In the end, being a travel journalist is more than a job – it’s a lifestyle. If you’re super into travelling and sharing stories, this could be your dream career. The money might go up and down, but the experiences you’ll have? Totally priceless. It’s all about finding that perfect mix of adventure and storytelling. And with the way digital media is growing, who knows how bright our future could be! For more on career prospects in journalism, The Balance Careers offers some great insights.

And that’s my take on the future of travel journalism salaries and wrapping up thoughts on this adventurous career path. It’s a world filled with endless stories and thrilling experiences.

Travel Journalism – Your Curious Questions

Do travel journalists make a lot of money?

Well, it depends! Some travel journalists make a pretty sweet amount, especially if they’ve been doing it for a long time or work in high-paying cities like San Jose or Oakland. But when you’re just starting, it might not be a lot. It’s kind of like levelling up in a video game – the more you play (or, in this case, write and travel), the more you can earn!

How do I become a travel journalist?

Becoming a travel journalist is like starting an adventure. First, you must love travelling and writing. You can start by writing a blog or articles about your travels, then maybe study journalism or writing. It’s also super helpful to learn about photography or making videos. And don’t forget, practice makes perfect!

What is the highest-paid type of journalist?

The highest-paid journalists are usually those who work in big news, like covering major events or working for large TV networks. They’re like the big players in the journalism world. But remember, while travel journalists might not always make as much, they get to explore the world and share amazing stories, which is pretty cool, too!

What is the salary of a travel journalist per month?

The monthly salary of a travel journalist can vary a lot. On average, in the U.S., it might be around $6,000 a month, but this can change based on where you are, your experience, and how skilled you are. Just starting, it might be less, but as you get better and more known, that number can go up!