IQ Career Lab
Creative & Media

IQ Required for Journalist

Journalist professionals typically score between 104 and 124 on standardized IQ tests, with an average of 114 (High Average).

Average IQ

114

High Average

IQ Range

104–124

Typical range

Median Salary

$57,500

Per year

Growth Outlook

-3%

Declining

Cognitive Domain Emphasis

Different professions demand different cognitive strengths. Here is how the cognitive demands break down for Journalist professionals.

Verbal Comprehension45%
Logical Reasoning20%
Mathematical Ability20%
Pattern Recognition15%

About Journalist

Journalists research, investigate, and report on events and issues for news organizations and media outlets. The profession demands exceptional verbal intelligence for writing and interviewing, logical reasoning for investigative work, and the pattern recognition to identify newsworthy stories.

The cognitive profile for this role emphasizes verbal comprehension (45% of the cognitive demand) and logical reasoning (20%). With an average IQ of 114, Journalist professionals fall in the high average range of cognitive ability, reflecting the intellectual demands of the role. See what this score means with our IQ Percentile Calculator.

Salary Breakdown

Compensation for Journalist professionals varies significantly with experience, location, and specialization.

Entry Level (10th %ile)

$30,800

Median Salary

$57,500

Experienced (90th %ile)

$102,000

Related Professions

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How Our IQ Test Maps to This Career

Our comprehensive IQ assessment measures the same four cognitive domains that define success in Journalist roles: Verbal Comprehension (45%), Logical Reasoning (20%), Mathematical Ability (20%), Pattern Recognition (15%).

By taking our assessment, you will receive domain-specific scores that reveal how your cognitive strengths align with the demands of this profession. Whether you are considering a career as a Journalist or looking to understand your aptitude for the field, your results provide actionable insight into your fit.

Take the Free AssessmentView Full Test Options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average IQ of a Journalist?
The average IQ for Journalist professionals is 114, which falls in the "High Average" range. Individual scores typically range from 104 to 124, reflecting the diversity of cognitive profiles within the field.
What cognitive skills are most important for Journalist?
Verbal Comprehension is the most emphasized cognitive domain for Journalist professionals, accounting for 45% of the cognitive profile. This is followed by the other domains in varying proportions that reflect the unique intellectual demands of the role.
How much does a Journalist earn?
The median salary for Journalist professionals is $57,500 per year. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) earn around $30,800, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $102,000.
What is the job outlook for Journalist?
The job outlook for Journalist is declining with a projected growth rate of -3%. This field is expected to see reduced demand over the coming years.
Do I need a high IQ to become a Journalist?
No. While the average IQ for Journalist professionals is 114, IQ is only one factor in career success. Motivation, education, relevant skills, and work experience matter significantly. Many successful Journalist professionals have IQ scores across the full 104–124 range and beyond. Use these figures as context for cognitive demands, not as a prerequisite.

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See how your IQ compares to Journalist professionals

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