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Crime Reporter Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

Saint Cloud, MN

$24.25 - $33/hr

Cloud Times , a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree and be ...

gannett

Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

Saint Cloud, MN

$24.25 - $33/hr

Cloud Times , a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree and be ...

All JobsCrime Reporter JobsCrime Reporter Jobs in Minnesota

Crime Reporter information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$26

$36

How much do crime reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for crime reporter in Minnesota is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Crime Reporter vs Crime Journalist?

AspectCrime ReporterCrime Journalist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in journalism or communicationsSimilar educational background, often with specialized training in journalism
Work EnvironmentWorks for newspapers, TV stations, or online media covering crime storiesWorks in media outlets, focusing on crime-related news and investigations
Industry UsageCommonly used term in news reportingOften used interchangeably, but can imply a broader focus on crime stories

Crime Reporter and Crime Journalist roles overlap significantly, both requiring journalism credentials and working within media outlets covering crime. The main difference is that 'Crime Reporter' emphasizes reporting on crime events, while 'Crime Journalist' may include investigative work and broader crime-related storytelling. Both titles are used in the media industry to describe professionals who inform the public about criminal activities and justice issues.

What is a crime reporter?

Crime reporters are journalists who specialize in investigating and reporting on criminal activities, law enforcement, and the justice system. They gather information from police reports, court documents, and interviews with officials and witnesses to provide the public with accurate and timely news about crimes and related issues. Their work often involves working irregular hours and visiting crime scenes, all while maintaining ethical standards and sensitivity toward victims. Crime reporters play an important role in keeping communities informed and holding authorities accountable.

How do you become a crime reporter?

To become a crime reporter, typically a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong writing and investigative skills, and building a network in the media industry are important steps to enter the field.

What are some common challenges crime reporters face when gathering information for their stories?

Crime reporters often encounter challenges such as gaining access to reliable sources, verifying facts in rapidly evolving situations, and navigating sensitive or traumatic subject matter. Building trust with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses requires professionalism and empathy, while maintaining accuracy and objectivity is crucial under deadline pressure. Additionally, crime reporters must remain mindful of legal and ethical guidelines when reporting on ongoing investigations to avoid compromising cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a crime reporter?

To thrive as a Crime Reporter, you need strong investigative skills, a background in journalism or communications, and a solid understanding of legal and ethical considerations. Familiarity with digital research tools, data analysis software, and content management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and the ability to build trust with sources are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate, timely, and responsible reporting on sensitive crime-related topics for the public.
What are popular job titles related to Crime Reporter jobs in Minnesota? For Crime Reporter jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Crime Reporter jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Crime Reporter jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Crime Reporter jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Crime Reporter job openings:
Crime Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crime Reporter job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,866 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

gannett

Saint Cloud, MN

$24.25 - $33/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 75 rated media

Job description

The St. Cloud Times The St. Cloud Times, a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree and be well-versed in reporting. In addition, the reporter must be able to take both pictures and short videos and not be afraid to meet people, find sources, and learn their beat.

The right candidate will be able to report stories that affect the lives of people. This beat offers the opportunity to serve as a watchdog to the community. The right candidate will have a nose for issues and be able to interview both politicians and residents alike. He or she will be able to explain local political issues to readers with easy-to-understand language. Digital journalism will be a priority.

We use data-driven journalism to write about complicated topics. This reporter must be comfortable interviewing a diverse group of people. 

Consistently breaking exclusive news is crucial. He or she will identify, produce and post stories, photos, and videos quickly and accurately.

The St. Cloud Times is committed to diversity and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check.

Life in St. Cloud

This position is based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, a vibrant community on the Mississippi River.  St. Cloud is a thriving multi-city location in central Minnesota that is situated about one hour from the Twin Cities. The St. Cloud metro-area population is about 206,000, with the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, coming in at 3.7 million. The population in St. Cloud, which continues to rise, is diverse, and the area, which includes several cities, is a growing region of Minnesota.

In this role, you will:

  • Research, report and produce compelling content that continuously grows a following by informing and engaging readers.
  • Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues. Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
  • Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
  • Work with newsroom leaders to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests tailored to appropriate platforms.
  • Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.
  • Use video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.

Here's what you need:

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • 1-4 years of daily newsroom experience.
  • High-level writing, communication, and time management skills.
  • Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism
  • Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
  • A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Application instructions

We are eager to learn more about you. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. Please include a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

  1. Your resume (1-2 pages)
  2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
  3. Links to 3-5 online samples of your work.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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