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Data Journalist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NEWSWELL

Business Reporter

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Data journalism, explanatory pieces and investigations What you'll do Report and write * Develop and report original stories through on-the-ground reporting * Write clear, accurate, well-structured ...

Asuep

Business Reporter

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Data journalism, explanatory pieces and investigations What you'll do Report and write * Develop and report original stories through on-the-ground reporting * Write clear, accurate, well-structured ...

WOWK-TV

Border Reporter/MMJ

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Thisposition requires the multimedia journalist to shoot, write,editvosotsand packages. It also ... Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or ...

Tribune Media

Border Reporter/MMJ

San Diego, CA

$35/hr

Thisposition requires the multimedia journalist to shoot, write,editvosotsand packages. It also ... Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or ...

Nexstar Media Group

Border Reporter/MMJ

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35/hr

This position requires the multimedia journalist to shoot, write, edit vosots and packages. It also ... Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or ...

Snorkel AI

Lead Data Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $200K/yr

We work with some of the world's largest organizations to empower scientists, engineers, financial experts, product creators, journalists, and more to build custom AI with their data faster than ever ...

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All JobsData Journalist JobsData Journalist Jobs in California

Data Journalist information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$60.2K

$129.3K

How much do data journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for data journalist in California is $60,180.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a data journalist?

Data journalists are professionals who use data analysis, statistics, and digital tools to uncover, investigate, and tell compelling stories. They collect, process, and visualize data to find trends, patterns, and insights that may not be immediately visible through traditional reporting. Data journalists often collaborate with other reporters, editors, and developers to create interactive graphics, charts, and maps that help explain complex topics to the public. Their work helps make large datasets accessible and understandable, enhancing the quality of news reporting.

How do data journalists typically collaborate with editors and subject matter experts during the reporting process?

Data journalists work closely with editors to identify newsworthy stories and ensure data-driven reports are clear and accurate. They frequently consult subject matter experts to contextualize findings and validate interpretations, especially when dealing with complex datasets. This collaborative approach helps guarantee that the final piece is both informative and accessible to a broad audience, while maintaining journalistic integrity and accuracy. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as data journalists often explain technical concepts to non-technical colleagues and integrate feedback throughout the publication process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Journalist, you need strong analytical skills, news judgment, data analysis proficiency, and typically a background in journalism, statistics, or a related field. Familiarity with data visualization tools (like Tableau or Flourish), spreadsheet software, coding languages (such as Python or R), and data scraping techniques is highly valuable. Outstanding communication, curiosity, and attention to detail help you translate complex data into compelling, accessible stories. These skills ensure accuracy, clarity, and public engagement when reporting data-driven news.

What is the difference between Data Journalist vs Data Analyst?

AspectData JournalistData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in journalism, communications, or related field; knowledge of data visualization toolsBachelor's in statistics, mathematics, or related field; proficiency in data analysis software
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, news organizations, online publicationsCorporations, consulting firms, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageMedia and journalism industry, focusing on storytelling with dataBusiness, finance, healthcare, and other sectors analyzing data for insights

While both roles involve working with data, Data Journalists focus on storytelling and presenting data in a journalistic context, often for media outlets. Data Analysts primarily analyze data to generate insights for business decisions across various industries. The skills overlap in data visualization and analysis tools, but their end goals and work environments differ significantly.

Are data journalists in demand?

Data journalists are increasingly in demand as news organizations and media outlets seek professionals skilled in data analysis, visualization, and storytelling. Proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, and data visualization software enhances job prospects in this evolving field.

How do you become a data journalist?

To become a data journalist, you typically need a background in journalism or a related field, along with strong skills in data analysis, statistics, and visualization tools like Excel, SQL, or Tableau. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio of data-driven stories, and staying updated on data journalism techniques are also important steps.

How much does a data journalist make?

Data journalists typically earn a median salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in data analysis and visualization can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000.

What do data journalists do?

Data journalists analyze large datasets to uncover stories, trends, and insights, then present their findings through reports, articles, or visualizations. They often use tools like spreadsheets, data analysis software, and visualization programs to support investigative reporting and storytelling.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Journalist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Data Journalist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Data Journalist jobs in California?

For Data Journalist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Data Journalist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Journalist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Data Journalist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Data Journalist job openings:

Data Journalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Journalist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,180 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

2027 Hearst Developer Fellowship Program

Hearst

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical

Posted 3 days ago

New

Hearst rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 78 rated media

Job description


Hearst Journalism Fellowship Program, Newsroom AI Development
The Hearst Fellowship for Newsroom AI Development is a one-year program focused on building tools for journalists and experiences for readers with the cutting-edge technology. The successful candidate will embed on the DevHub, Hearst's San Francisco-based editorial innovation team, and they will work on AI-assisted projects, tools and news products with our core product and engineering teams and our top metro newsrooms: San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning News, Austin American-Statesman, San Antonio Express-News, (Albany) Times Union and our Hearst Connecticut newsrooms.
Fellows will receive training, mentorship and real-world experience alongside top journalist-programmers who build interactive experiences and automation tools focused on building connections to the local communities we cover.
Hearst Fellows are full-time employees with competitive salary and benefits, including health insurance, relocation allowance and a housing stipend.
What the DevHub does
The Hearst DevHub is a team of editorial engineers, AI developers, data journalists, interactive designers and content strategists who collaborate with local newsrooms to create best-in-class digital experiences. We make things like election results pages, AI tools, searchable databases, severe weather trackers, elegantly designed alternative story forms and whatever else you can dream up. You can learn more about the DevHub here.
What this fellowship could mean for your future
Our goal for the program is for Fellows to earn full-time employment at the end of the yearlong term. We want to train our next builders, and then continue supporting them as they grow into our future leaders.
While participation in the program is not a guarantee of future employment, our goal is to recruit candidates who eventually will join our full-time professional staff. All of us here have an investment in your future and in the future of Hearst Newspapers.
What the successful candidate will do on the DevHub
  • Create AI tools for newsrooms and experiences for readers that adhere to our strict editorial standards and company policies.
  • Work with newsrooms on best practices for AI usage.
  • Enrich existing tools and interactives with fresh approaches to workflows, data analysis and visualization.
  • Innovate with new technology to benefit journalists and the communities we cover.

Hearst Fellowships jump-start great journalism careers
The experience you gain as a Hearst Fellow is the start of a strong foundation for your journalism career. Our objective is to recruit, train and retain journalists who have experience with AI, data journalism and programming. Candidates should be college graduates with interest, experience or background in journalism and AI.
How Fellows are selected
Hearst DevHub team members will conduct multiple interviews and test the top candidates.
If you are offered and accept a position, you will be assigned a mentor, and we'll help you develop relationships with seasoned professionals throughout Hearst Newspapers and beyond.
Requirements and Information
Please see our Fellows website at https://hearstfellowships.com. In addition, candidates must be willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area and work a hybrid in-office schedule.
To be considered you must submit in all required documents in PDF format:
  • One-page resume that includes past journalistic experience, academic major and minor, date or expected date of graduation, permanent and current addresses, email, website, and social media addresses (if applicable).
  • Reference page that includes three work references including titles, email addresses and phone numbers.
  • Page with links to portfolio or digital work samples.

Deadline to apply for the Fellowship program is Jan. 4, 2027.
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