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Science Journalist

A Science Journalist reports on scientific research and discoveries, conducting interviews and creating engaging content for various media outlets.

How do I become a science journalist

Get qualified to work as a science journalist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

The weekly salary for a Science Journalist in Australia is approximately $1,337.50, which translates to an annual salary range of $70,000 to $90,000​. Increase your earning capacity by gaining formal qualifications in professional writing and specialist qualifications in a key area of science (eg, environmental science, ecology, genetics, astrophysics, medical science).

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There are no clear employment figures for Science Journalists working in Australia at this time. They are employed by advertising and marketing firms as well as universities, media outlets, newspapers, magazines and scientific journals. Many Science Journalists work freelance.

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To become a Science Journalist you will need to have professional-level writing skills and the ability to describe complex scientific theories, experiments, and discoveries in clear, everyday language. Get started with a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing plus a Bachelor of Science with specialist majors.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Science Journalist careers

Science Journalists report on scientific research, breakthroughs and discoveries as well as unpack scientific theory in journals, newspaper articles, magazine features, documentaries, and online publications. They carry out research, interview scientists and researchers, and create fact-based material that is both informative and entertaining.

As a Science Journalist you could be attending a science conference to learn about the latest research and findings, interviewing a highly-respected scientist about the possible social impacts of a recent discovery, reading a peer-reviewed journal, writing an outline for an upcoming newspaper article, fact-checking a blog post, or sending a completed assignment to your editor.