Journalist Jobs in California

Journalist jobs in California sit at the center of one of the world's most active media markets, with demand running from entry-level editorial assistants through senior investigative reporters and bureau chiefs. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by employers like the Los Angeles Times, NBC Universal, and the Sacramento Bee, which maintain consistent year-round newsroom openings. Digital journalism, investigative reporting, and broadcast news are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

Find Journalist Jobs

Overview

Open roles10
Top employerSinclair Broadcast
Top citySan Jose, CA
Cities hiring8
Work type100% On-site
Top industryMarketing

Showing 5 of 10+ Journalist jobs

Univision Communications Inc
Multimedia Journalist
We won't show you this job again
Univision Communications Inc
Added 5d ago
Multimedia Journalist
Univision Communications Inc
San Jose, California
Content & Communications
Creative & Design
Multimedia Production
Bachelor's degree in communications
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Univision Communications Inc
Multimedia Journalist - Temp
We won't show you this job again
Univision Communications Inc
Added 6d ago
Multimedia Journalist - Temp
Univision Communications Inc
San Jose, California
Communications
Content & Communications
Public Relations (PR)
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

The E. W. Scripps Company
Multimedia Journalist, KGTV
We won't show you this job again
The E. W. Scripps Company
Added 3w ago
Multimedia Journalist, KGTV
The E. W. Scripps Company
San Diego, California
Communications
Content & Communications
Public Relations (PR)
$36.06 - $37.98/hr
Bachelor's degree in journalism
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

The E. W. Scripps Company
Multimedia Journalist, KERO - Kern River Valley
We won't show you this job again
The E. W. Scripps Company
Added 1mo ago
Multimedia Journalist, KERO - Kern River Valley
The E. W. Scripps Company
Bakersfield, California
Business Strategy
Marketing
Product Management
$25.97 - $26/hr
Bachelor's degree in communications
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Spectrum
Multimedia Journalist
We won't show you this job again
Spectrum
Added 1mo ago
Multimedia Journalist
Spectrum
San Diego, California
Communications
Content & Communications
Public Relations (PR)
$81k - $149k/yr
Bachelor's degree in communications
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

See All 10 Journalist Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Journalist Jobs

Journalist Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Jose
2 jobs
San Diego
2 jobs
Chico
1 job
Eureka
1 job
Redding
1 job
Sacramento
1 job
Bakersfield
1 job
San Francisco
1 job

Journalist Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Sinclair Broadcast
Sinclair Broadcast3 open roles
The E. W. Scripps Company
The E. W. Scripps Company2 open roles
Univision Communications
Univision Communications2 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Marketing & Advertising

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in journalist jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated portfolio of published clips or broadcast segments across multiple formats
  • Experience with AP Style and digital content management systems such as WordPress
  • Ability to research, report, write, and edit stories to daily or breaking-news deadlines
  • Familiarity with California public records law and the California Shield Law for source protection
  • Proficiency with digital storytelling tools including video editing, social media, and data visualization

Journalist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a journalist in California?

California does not require a state-issued license or government credential to work as a journalist. The standard path is completing a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications, then building a portfolio through college newspapers, campus broadcast stations, or internships at California news outlets. Many newsrooms, particularly in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, require demonstrated clips or a broadcast reel before extending a staff offer.

Which companies hire journalists in California?

Employers hiring journalists in California right now include Sinclair Broadcast, The E. W. Scripps Company, and Univision Communications, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of major broadcast networks, digital-native news organizations, and regional newspapers makes it one of the deepest journalist hiring markets in the country.

Which California cities have the most journalist jobs?

San Jose, San Diego, and Chico have the most journalist openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its density of broadcast networks, entertainment trade press, and digital news startups, while San Francisco's tech industry fuels strong demand for technology and business reporters, and Sacramento's role as the state capital draws political and government affairs journalists.

Are there remote journalist jobs in California?

Yes, and more than many fields. About 0% of journalist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the shift toward digital-first newsrooms that do not require reporters to be in a physical office. Writing, editing, podcast production, and newsletter roles tend to be the most remote-friendly, while beat reporters covering courts, government, or live events typically remain in-person.

How can I get hired as a journalist in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is a paid or credit-bearing internship at a California daily newspaper, television station, or digital outlet, which many newsrooms convert into staff roles. The Los Angeles Times, Bay Area News Group, and California public broadcasting stations like KQED run structured internship programs that welcome candidates without professional experience. Contributing to a college paper, pitching freelance stories to alt-weeklies, or producing a personal newsletter builds the clips that California editors require for entry-level reporting positions.

Where can I find and apply to journalist jobs in California?

You can find and apply to journalist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from California employers. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to each one.

See All 10 Journalist Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Journalist Jobs