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Columnists

Overview

Columnists write opinion pieces for publication in newspapers or magazines or on news, general interest, or special interest Web sites. Some columnists work for syndicates, which are organizations that sell articles to many media at once.

Columnists can be generalists who write about whatever strikes them on any topic. Most columnists focus on a specialty, such as government, politics, local issues, health, humor, sports, gossip, or other themes.

Most newspapers employ local columnists or run columns from syndicates. Some syndicated columnists work out of their homes or private offices.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

None

Outlook

Decline
Personality Traits

Creative

Curious

Outgoing

Career Ladder
Syndicated Columnist, or Editor, or Foreign Correspondent

Columnist

Reporter or Freelance Writer

Related Professions