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Data Journalist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Public Relations Manager

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage media relations including pitching stories and responding to inquiries from reporters & journalists. * Actively track and report data findings on industry news/trends, market activities ...

Senior Public Affairs Officer

Springfield, VA ยท On-site

$140K - $224K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... IT, Data Analytics and Software Development. Elevate your career and make a difference. Your ... Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Public Affairs, Journalism, or a related field. In lieu of a ...

You'll work directly with engineers and researchers to turn complex data into clear, accurate, and ... What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, Journalism ...

Communications Specialist Mid

Fort Belvoir, VA ยท On-site

$95K - $117K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... communications, data, policy, and management services. We offer tailored benefits, including ... Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. * Strong ...

... Journalism, Public Affairs, History, International Relations, or a related field. Minimum of 2 years of experience in media research, social media data gathering, and top-line analysis. Comfortable ...

Showing results 21-40

Data Journalist information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$60.5K

$129.9K

How much do data journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for data journalist in Virginia is $60,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $78,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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. The role often requires proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, and data visualization software, with employment growth driven by the expanding importance of data-driven reporting.

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.

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.

Does data journalism pay well?

Data journalism can offer competitive salaries, especially for those with strong analytical skills, proficiency in data visualization tools, and experience with programming languages like Python or R. Salaries vary by location, experience, and employer, but experienced data journalists working for major media outlets or in specialized roles tend to earn higher wages.

How do you become a data journalist?

To become a data journalist, you typically need a background in journalism or communications and strong skills in data analysis, visualization, and programming languages like Python or R. Gaining experience with data tools such as Excel, SQL, and Tableau, along with a portfolio of data-driven stories, can improve job prospects. Some roles may require a degree in journalism, statistics, or computer science.

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 most commonly searched types of Data Journalist jobs in Virginia?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Data Journalist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Data Journalist job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Journalist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,456 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Senior Investigative Correspondent, China

Middle East Broadcasting Networks

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Announcement
Senior Investigative Correspondent, China
About MBN
Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is the premier Arabic-first media organization that connects the Middle East and the United States. The company is in the midst of an exciting digital transformation and looking for energetic and talented people who care about journalism and the Middle East to join us on this journey.
We provide original and indispensable reporting, perspectives and commentary on the Middle East and how America's engagement impacts the region. MBN delivers content in both Arabic and English across multiple platforms, in formats including written articles, short-form video, newsletters, podcasts, data trackers and social media.
Our target audience is decision-makers, influencers, and residents of key capitals across the Middle East, as well as the next generation of globally engaged, digitally connected youth.
About the Role
China is one of the most consequential stories in the Middle East today, and MBN already leads in covering it. We're looking for a Senior Investigative Correspondent to report on it in depth - producing rigorous, original investigations into China's economic and geopolitical role and how it intersects the Middle East and North Africa.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:
  • Lead in-depth investigations into China's economic and geopolitical activities and their reach across the Middle East and North Africa.
  • Develop and maintain a strong network of sources across government, industry, finance, and academia.
  • Produce long-form investigative and explanatory journalism.
  • Cover cross-border China-related developments (US, EU, Gulf, North Africa, Korea, Southeast Asia).
  • Work closely with the Senior Editor and the Data Editor to keep every story evidentiary and airtight.
  • Weigh the geopolitical and reputational risks of sensitive stories.

Other Duties:
Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Candidates are required to have:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Native-level English (required).
  • 5-10 years in investigative journalism or equivalent reporting roles.
  • A proven track record of original reporting and source development.
  • A strong understanding of China's economic and political systems.
  • The judgment to handle complex, sensitive, and high-risk subject matter responsibly.
  • Excellent writing and storytelling skills

Skills considered a plus to have:
  • Mandarin Chinese proficiency is a strong plus.
  • Arabic proficiency is a strong plus.
  • Experience in cross-border or international reporting.
  • Familiarity with MENA markets, sovereign wealth funds, or energy trade.

Submit a CV, a short cover note explaining your interest in the China/MENA beat, and 2-3 representative work samples (published clips, datasets, or investigations)
MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.