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Data Journalist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

News Corp.

Video Journalist: Politics

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Political Video Journalist Type: In office Location: Washington DC Company: The US Sun Pay Range ... Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access ...

News Corp

Video Journalist: Politics

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Political Video Journalist Type: In office Location: Washington DC Company: The US Sun Pay Range ... Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access ...

RELX

Assistant Managing Editor

Washington, DC · Remote

$104K - $174K/yr

Are you excited by the opportunity to mentor journalists, shape editorial strategy, and drive excellence across award-winning data-driven reporting? Do you enjoy uncovering meaningful stories in ...

Outten & Golden

Assistant Managing Editor

Washington, DC · Remote

$104K - $174K/yr

Are you excited by the opportunity to mentor journalists, shape editorial strategy, and drive excellence across award-winning data-driven reporting? Do you enjoy uncovering meaningful stories in ...

LexisNexis

Assistant Managing Editor

Washington, DC · Remote

$104K - $174K/yr

Are you excited by the opportunity to mentor journalists, shape editorial strategy, and drive excellence across award-winning data-driven reporting? Do you enjoy uncovering meaningful stories in ...

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All JobsData Journalist JobsData Journalist Jobs in Washington

Data Journalist information

See Washington salary details

$34K

$69.1K

$148.4K

How much do data journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for data journalist in Washington is $69,065.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $89,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Data Journalist jobs in Washington?

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Data Journalist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Data Journalist job openings:

Data Journalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Journalist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,065 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Associate Director for Data & AI Investigations and Partnerships

College Park, MD • On-site

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP)
See more jobs at UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP)external

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Overview

The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, part of the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, seeks an innovative and collaborative data journalist to serve as Associate Director for Data & AI Investigations and Partnerships. The role will lead new initiatives in data curation, support data-driven reporting partnerships, incorporate AI, and teach a hands‑on class.

Responsibilities
  • Launch and manage a new initiative to gather and maintain a curated set of newsworthy data and document collections for journalists and researchers to use.
  • Assist the Howard Center director in establishing and managing data‑driven reporting collaborations with professional and academic newsroom partners.
  • Manage selected student‑driven investigative data journalism projects in collaboration with professional news organization partners.
  • Integrate large language models and other AI technologies responsibly into the investigative reporting workflow.
  • Oversee the work of a Howard Center staff member and graduate fellows specializing in investigative data journalism.
  • Teach one hands‑on class per year tied to Howard Center data investigations.
Preferred Experience
  • Experience producing investigative data journalism as a reporter.
  • Experience managing investigative data journalism projects as an editor, project manager or similar role.
  • Experience building and maintaining newsworthy databases or document collections for internal newsroom or external partner use, or managing people engaged in that work.
  • Experience experimenting with or a demonstrated interest in large language models, agentic systems, machine learning or other AI approaches for investigative reporting.
  • Experience establishing or managing editorial collaborations with newsroom partners.
  • Teaching and mentoring experience (university‑level teaching, workshops, or informal training of newsroom colleagues).
  • Management experience with professionals, interns, or early‑career journalists.
  • Interest in storytelling forms tailored to reach new audiences.
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Minimum of four years post‑college experience as a professional journalist, including data journalism experience.
Application Materials

Resume, cover letter explaining interest and alignment with responsibilities and preferred experience, and links to three examples of prior work (data‑driven investigative stories, data products, tools, or teaching materials).

Benefits
  • 41 days of leave per year (22 vacation, 3 personal, 16 holidays) and 15 days sick leave.
  • Choice of defined‑benefit retirement plan (state pension) or defined‑contribution plan with employer match.
  • State of Maryland insurance for healthcare, prescription drugs, dental, vision, term life, accidental death, long‑term disability.
  • Tuition remission for you and dependents.
  • Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave.
EEO Statement

University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

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