Other reports say the 57% drop occurred since 1980, and there has been a 25% drop in journalism degrees awarded since 2002. Regardless, there has been a loss, especially in traditional “newspapers”.

The BLS says average starting pay is about 50k/year.

Over the next decade, most job openings will come from replacement of retiring or departing workers; no growth in jobs is expected. These forecasts seem to have been made prior to the advent of AI-generated stories and AI-fact checking – which may reduce the number of jobs. Some employers have said the use of AI tools has increased productivity by 20% – which could mean that they need 20% fewer workers or perhaps everyone can have a 4 day work week 🙂

Journalism jobs in America dropped 57% since 2010. The ones that exist start at $48k with a $65k debt load.

Day 85 tagging @mikeroweworks and I can’t wait until I type day 365.

The average pipefitter starts at $72k, earns foreman pay of $110k within 3 years, and works in an… pic.twitter.com/S3e7C1seJd

— Hector Resendez – Trade School Secrets (@TS_Secrets) March 31, 2026