Occupations
By: Anna Grace Herren
Multimedia Artists and Animators
Multimedia artists and animators often work in a specific medium. Some focus on
creating animated movies or video games. Others create visual effects for movies and
television shows.
Other animators design scenery or backgrounds for locations.
They make $63,630 per year $30.59 per hour.
Most multimedia artists and animators need a bachelors degree in computer graphics,
art, or a related field to develop both an impressive portfolio of work and the strong
technical skills that many employers prefer.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for multimedia artists
and animators.
Announcers
Announcers present music, news, and sports and may provide commentary
or interview guests about these or other important topics. Some act as
masters of ceremonies (emcees) or disc jockeys (DJs) at weddings, parties, or
clubs.
They make $29,010 per year,$13.95 per hour.
Employment of announcers is projected to decline 11 percent from 2014 to
2024. Experienced, formally trained announcers should have the best job
prospects.
Many announcers work in radio and television studios. Some announcers are
self-employed; others work part time.
Editors
Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.
Although most editors work in offices, a growing number now work remotely from
home. The work can be stressful because editors often have tight deadlines.
Proficiency with computers and a bachelors degree in communications,
journalism, or English are typically required to become an editor.
They make $54,890 per year and $26.39 per hour.
Employment of editors is projected to decline 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, as
print media continue to face strong pressure from online publications. Competition
for jobs with established newspapers and magazines will be particularly strong.
Photographers
Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to
produce and preserve images that tell a story or record an event.
Working conditions for photographers vary considerably with their specialty. Some
travel for photoshoots; others work in their own studios. Still others work in
laboratories and use microscopes to photograph subjects.
Although postsecondary education is not required for portrait photographers, many
take classes because employers usually seek applicants with a good eye and
creativity, as well as a good technical understanding of photography.
Photojournalists and industrial and scientific photographers often need a bachelors
degree.
Technical Writers
Technical writers, also called technical communicators, prepare instruction
manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to
communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also
develop, gather, and disseminate technical information through an
organizations communications channels.
The median annual wage for technical writers was $69,030.
A college degree is usually required for a position as a technical writer. In
addition, experience with a technical subject, such as computer science, Web
design, or engineering, is important.
Writers and Authors
Writers and authors develop written content for advertisements, books,
magazines, movie and television scripts, songs, blogs, or other types of
media.
A college degree in English, journalism, or communications is generally
required for a full-time position as a writer or author. Experience can be gained
through internships, but any form of writing that improves skill, such as
blogging, is beneficial. Excellent writing skills are essential.
The median annual wage for writers and authors was $58,850.
Public Relations Specialists
Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for
the organization they represent. They design media releases to shape public
perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and
goals.
Public relations specialists typically need a bachelors degree in public
relations, journalism, communications, English, or business.
The median annual wage for public relations specialists was $55,680.
Interpreters and Translators
Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into
another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators
work in written language.
Although interpreters and translators typically need at least a bachelors
degree, the most important requirement is to have native-level proficiency in
English and at least one other language. Many complete job-specific training
programs.
The median annual wage for interpreters and translators was $43,590.
Film and Video Editors and Camera
Operators
Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate moving images that entertain
or inform an audience.
Film and video editors and camera operators typically need a bachelors degree in a
field related to film or broadcasting.
The median annual wage for film and video editors and camera operators was $52,470.
Employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 11
percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Production
companies and video freelancers are working with new content delivery methods, such
as mobile devices or through online TV, which may lead to more work for editors and
camera operators.
Broadcast and Sound Engineering
Technicians
Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate,
and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs,
television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.
They make about $41,350 per year and $19.88 per hour.
Employment of broadcast and sound engineering technicians
is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as
fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected to
stem from businesses, schools, and radio and television
stations seeking new equipment to improve their audio and
video capabilities.
