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Journalist / Media Professional

Marketing & Communications · Media & Broadcasting Official scale

Research, write, and report news stories across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Jamaica has a vibrant media landscape with opportunities in journalism, PR, and content creation.

Salary Breakdown

$1,711,060 JMD – $2,301,186 JMD
0 - 3 years

Information officer grade MCG/IE 1 $1,711,060 - $2,301,186 per annum (Ministry of Finance scale, 2025/26). Newsroom pay in private media is not on a published scale.

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($2,006,123 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$154,261 JMD
Est. Net / Year$1,851,138 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$2,006,123 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$60,183 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$40,122 JMD
Education Tax
−$43,783 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$10,894 JMD
Net (annual)
$1,851,138 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    High School & CXC Subjects

    Pass CSEC English, English Literature, and a Social Studies or Theatre Arts subject. Strong writing and communication skills are essential.

    5 years
  2. 2

    Bachelor's Degree in Journalism / Media

    Pursue a BA in Journalism, Mass Communication, or Media Studies at UWI or another accredited institution.

    3 - 4 years
  3. 3

    Internship / Entry-Level Reporter

    Intern at a newspaper, radio station, TV station, or online media outlet. Build a portfolio of published work.

    6 - 12 months
  4. 4

    Staff Reporter / Content Producer

    Cover beats (politics, health, entertainment, sports). Develop source networks and produce original stories.

    2 - 4 years
  5. 5

    Senior Journalist / Editor

    Lead a newsroom section, mentor junior reporters, and drive editorial direction.

    4 - 7 years
  6. 6

    Editor-in-Chief / Communications Director

    Set the editorial or brand communications strategy for a media house, NGO, or corporation.

    7+ years
Build My Roadmap for This Career

Required Education

  • CSEC/CXC English, English Literature, and Social Studies or Theatre Arts
  • BA in Journalism, Mass Communication, or Media Studies

Common Local Certifications

  • Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Membership
  • Jamaica Broadcasting Commission – Journalist Accreditation
  • HEART/NSTA - NVQ-J Level 2 and Level 3 in Print Media Technology (Qualifications Registry of Jamaica)

Where to Train

Northern Caribbean University

Manchester · Private University
Accredited 13 accredited programmes

Offers Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

University of Technology, Jamaica

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 17 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Journalist / Media Professional

University of the West Indies, Mona

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 12 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Journalist / Media Professional

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) – Department of Language, Linguistics & Philosophy
  • University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) – School of Communication & Arts
  • Northern Caribbean University (NCU) – Mass Communication