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Crime Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

THE CITY NY

Higher Education Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$66K - $74K/yr

The City Reporter's investigative reporting has resulted in criminal indictments, political resignations and ethics inquiries. It has inspired new laws, influenced budget choices and reversed ...

nantmedia

Night Reporter

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$26 - $35.50/hr

... crime, weather and other news-of-the-day topics * Demonstrate an ability and willingness to cover ... Reporters must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle in good working condition ...

New

Capital City Press

Data Reporter

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

... crime to education to Census figures -A collaborative nature and willingness to work closely with reporters, our graphics editor and our digital team for online data displays -High journalism ...

Capital City Press

Data Reporter

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

... crime to education to Census figures -A collaborative nature and willingness to work closely with reporters, our graphics editor and our digital team for online data displays -High journalism ...

Capital City Press

Data Reporter

Shreveport, LA · On-site

... crime to education to Census figures -A collaborative nature and willingness to work closely with reporters, our graphics editor and our digital team for online data displays -High journalism ...

Capital City Press

Data Reporter

New Orleans, LA · On-site

... crime to education to Census figures -A collaborative nature and willingness to work closely with reporters, our graphics editor and our digital team for online data displays -High journalism ...

Harris County, TX

Official Court Reporter

Houston, TX · On-site

This position provides court reporter coverage for the 178th District Criminal Court. The reporter is responsible for all hearings, trials, and court proceedings, and for custody of admitted exhibits ...

Gannett Co., Inc.

Public Safety Reporter

Appleton, WI · On-site

These stories don't end at a crime scene or in the courtroom. This reporter will write stories that provide context; work to amplify voices from the community, including victims' experiences; and ...

New

Hearst Newspapers

News Reporter

Laredo, TX · On-site

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Hearst Newspapers

News Reporter

Laredo, TX · On-site

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Hearst

News Reporter

Laredo, TX · On-site

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Hearst

News Reporter

Laredo, TX

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Hearst Newspapers

News Reporter

Laredo, TX

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Hearst

News Reporter

Laredo, TX · On-site

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Hearst

News Reporter

Laredo, TX

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

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Crime Reporter information

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$12

$27

$37

How much do crime reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for crime reporter in the United States is $27.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $31.97 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 are crime reporters?

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 profession.

How much do crime journalists get paid?

Crime journalists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the media organization. Entry-level reporters may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working for major outlets can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and opportunities for overtime or freelance work.

What does a crime reporter do?

A crime reporter researches, investigates, and reports on criminal activities, law enforcement actions, and related events for news outlets. They gather information from sources such as police reports, court records, and interviews, often working under tight deadlines and using tools like recording devices and writing software.

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, and why are they important?

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.

Is 30 too late to get into journalism?

Crime reporting is open to individuals of various ages, and starting a journalism career at 30 is common. Success depends on skills such as strong writing, investigative abilities, and relevant experience, which can be developed through education, internships, or networking. Age is generally not a barrier to entering the field if you demonstrate commitment and relevant skills.
More about Crime Reporter jobs
What cities are hiring for Crime Reporter jobs? Cities with the most Crime Reporter job openings:
What states have the most Crime Reporter jobs? States with the most job openings for Crime Reporter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Crime Reporter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Crime Reporter jobs are:
Crime Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crime Reporter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,041 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Higher Education Reporter

THE CITY NY

New York, NY • On-site

$66K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About The City Reporter
The Organization
The City Reporter (formerly THE CITY) is New York City's award-winning nonprofit, nonpartisan local news organization. Working across all five boroughs, our stellar journalists bring diverse skills and backgrounds to the task of covering New York's neighborhoods, holding the powerful to account and making sense of the greatest city in the world.
The City Reporter's investigative reporting has resulted in criminal indictments, political resignations and ethics inquiries. It has inspired new laws, influenced budget choices and reversed injustices. The City Reporter's explanatory journalism has helped hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to vote, keep their apartments warm, stay safe in dangerous weather and access public assistance.
The Position
The City Reporter is seeking a sharp, ambitious reporter to cover higher education in New York City, with a primary focus on the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
This two-year, grant-funded position is an opportunity to dig deeply into one of the nation's largest public university systems and examine how it serves - and sometimes fails - its diverse student body, faculty, workers and surrounding communities.
We're looking for someone who can move fluidly between breaking news, enterprise, audience engagement and investigative work, and who is committed to reporting that is both rigorous and accessible.
Key Responsibilities
  • Cover the CUNY system, reporting on issues such as affordability, governance, curriculum, educational outcomes, labor, infrastructure and student life.
  • Produce a mix of daily news stories, enterprise pieces, service and explanatory journalism and longer investigations.
  • Develop sources among students, faculty, administrators, workers and policymakers.
  • Translate complex policy and budget issues into clear, compelling stories.
  • Collaborate with editors, data reporters and engagement teams to maximize impact, including through social video and translating reporting for platforms where it will have further reach.
  • Incorporate audience perspectives, especially from underserved communities.
  • Anchor a weekly newsletter for CUNY students in New York City.

Qualifications
  • Two years of reporting, preferably covering higher education, New York City or both.
  • Demonstrated ability to break news and develop stories with impact.
  • A track record of centering diverse voices and communities.
  • Strong interviewing, writing and reporting skills.
  • Comfort working with public records, data and other accountability reporting techniques.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Salary range: $66,300 - $74,000, depending on experience. This is a two-year, grant-funded position.
  • Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage.
  • Twenty days PTO, holidays, sick and parental leave.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • A collaborative, mission-driven newsroom environment.
  • This position is part of a partnership with Open Campus, a national nonprofit news organization with a network of local reporters dedicated to covering higher ed for their communities. As part of this collaboration, The City Reporter's higher education reporter will become a member of this reporter network and work regularly with a team of Open Campus editors with decades of expertise in the subject matter.

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