Media & Communications jobs in a growing field range from entry-level positions to upper-level management roles for career professionals. A person considering earning a degree in communications may want to know if media and communications are growing. The answer is important because a person may prefer to enter a field offering plenty of job opportunities and chances for advancement.
Media and communication occupations permanently changed with the internet. But new opportunities arise as old ones decline. For example, there are many new jobs in media communications in areas like social media. Additionally, there is still a need to keep the public updated on current events. And individuals still want to watch hosts interview guests and find out other noteworthy information. Jobs have simply shifted and changed with new technology.
What are Media and Communication Occupations?
Many occupations fall under the umbrella of media and communications. Those include announcers, broadcast and sound engineering technicians, film and video editors, camera operators, interpreters, and translators.
Other occupations within this category include photographers, technical writers, and authors. Professionals who keep us informed on current events include reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts.
Job Outlook for Media and Communication Occupations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects employment statistics and calculates job growth in all occupations, including media and communications. Furthermore, the BLS predicts that the number of jobs in media and communications will grow by 6 percent between 2021 and 2031. The overall employment growth is about as fast as the average growth for all occupations.
There are about 690,000 people employed in all of these occupations as of 2021. By 2031, that will increase to about 718,000. The total increase in new jobs in media and communications is expected to be around 68,000 by 2031. Additionally, the BLS projects around 115,800 openings yearly from the growth and replacement needs as employers replace workers.
These statistics do not include people in the gig economy who do occasional work in media and communications or those who work fewer than 20 hours per week in the field, the level of part-time work tracked by the BLS. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals may also not be included in these numbers collected by the BLS.
Locations With the Highest Number of Jobs
Media and communications jobs tend to be in large cities. Some states have regulations that are more business-friendly to media and communications firms. California, Ohio, Florida, New York, and New Jersey are the five states with the highest number of media and communications jobs. Los Angeles, New York, San Fransisco, Tampa, and Minneapolis are the five metropolitan areas with the highest media and communications.
Places With the Highest Concentration of Jobs
Another way to look at the growth in media and communications is to look at jobs by concentration or location quotient, explains the BLS. Location quotient or concentration refers to the number of jobs per population size.
The states with the highest concentration of media and communications jobs are Nevada, California, Louisiana, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. New Orleans, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Baton Rouge, and Monroe are the five metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of media and communications jobs (BLS).
Media and Communication Job Growth by Occupation
Anyone earning a degree in media and communications may want to look at job growth by the specific type of job they want. People may also want to develop two or more specialty areas to give themselves more flexibility when applying for jobs in this field. Knowing if media and communications are growing helps a person determine a career path for the future.
Interpreter and Translator
Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. These professionals need very strong communication skills. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language, and translators work in written language.
Job Growth: 20% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $49,110 (BLS median annual wage)
Film and Video Editors
Film and Video Editors arrange footage shot by camera operators. They collaborate with producers and directors to create content to communicate complex ideas and stories. These professionals are highly creative and have excellent communication skills.
Job Growth: 12% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $62,680 (BLS median annual wage)
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager estimates the demand for products and services. They identify potential markets for an organization’s products. And they also help maximize profits and market share with pricing strategies. These professionals work closely with sales, product development staff, and public relations.
Job Growth: 10% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $135,030 (BLS median annual wage)
Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technician
Broadcast, sound, and video technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, audio equipment, television broadcasts, and concerts.
Job Growth: 10% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $48,790
Camera Operators
Camera operators capture a wide range of material for television, online media, movies, and other media. They create engaging content and convey information to entertain or inform an audience.
Job Growth: 9% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $54,500 (BLS median annual wage)
Photographers
A Photographer uses their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images. They use images to tell a story or record an event based on client needs.
Job Growth: 9% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $38,950 (BLS)
Public Relations Specialists
A Public Relations Specialist creates and maintains a positive public image for their clients. As liaisons between clients and the general public, they generate press releases, social media posts, and speeches for clients.
They also respond to media requests on behalf of their employers, often conducting targeted research to better understand or forecast public opinion. Most public relations roles require strong communication, problem-solving, and organization skills.
Job Growth: 8% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $62,800 (BLS)
Promotions Managers
A Promotions Manager is responsible for increasing product sales with advertising programs that work with purchasing incentives. These incentives include rebates, discounts, coupons, samples, gifts, sweepstakes, and contests. They typically target customers with advertisements, store displays, product endorsements, and special events.
Job Growth: 7% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $127,150 (BLS)
Disc Jockey (DJ)
Disc jockeys (DJs) act as masters of ceremonies or play recorded music at weddings, parties, or clubs.
Job Growth: 7% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $32,656 (BLS)
Advertising Managers
An Advertising Manager targets potential consumers of a service or product and works to create interest. Some work for a department in an organization, and some are project-based. Advertising agencies, media firms, and other advertising organizations are common employers.
Job Growth: 7% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $127,150 (BLS)
Technical Writers
A Technical Writer prepares instruction manuals, journal articles, how-to guides, and other supporting documents. They take complex and technical information and simplify it for instructional purposes.
Job Growth: 6% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS)
Average Salary: $78,060 (BLS)
| Declining Occupations | Growth |
|---|---|
| Editors | -5% (BLS) |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | -9% (BLS) |
Evolution of Media and Communications
Media and communication occupations permanently changed with the internet. But new opportunities arise as old ones decline. For example, there are many new jobs in media communications in areas like social media. Additionally, there is still a need to keep the public updated on current events. And individuals still want to watch hosts interview guests and find out other noteworthy information. Jobs have simply shifted and changed with new technology.
Related:
- What Is Media and Communications?
- What Does a Web Designer Do?
- 5 Tips to Help You Start Your Graphic Design Business
- What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Graphic Design?
- 5 Graphic Design Specializations
