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Data Journalist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Managing Editor

Washington, DC ยท 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 ...

Assistant Managing Editor

Washington, DC ยท 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 ...

Lead Data Scientist, AI Labs

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$164 - $201/hr

We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and ... You will lead data science expertise for a content metadata overhaul to power new audience-focused ...

This is your opportunity to join an innovative team dedicated to deep reporting and compelling investigative journalism. We tell stories by digging into Bloomberg's extensive data sources, from legal ...

Data Reporter

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

This is your opportunity to join an innovative team dedicated to deep reporting and compelling investigative journalism. We tell stories by digging into Bloomberg's extensive data sources, from legal ...

We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and ... You will lead data science expertise for a content metadata overhaul to power new audience-focused ...

Lead Data Scientist, AI Labs

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$164 - $201/hr

We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and ... You will lead data science expertise for a content metadata overhaul to power new audience-focused ...

We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and ... You will lead data science expertise for a content metadata overhaul to power new audience-focused ...

Disability Data Fellow

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$68K/yr

The initiative aims to build a public-facing portal that provides open-source disability data for a broad range of users, including researchers, policymakers, advocates, technologists, journalists ...

... journalist for DC News Now (WDVM/WDCW-TV) -- a newly formed duopoly in the Washington DC DMA ... Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or ...

Showing results 21-40

Data Journalist information

See Washington salary details

$34K

$69.1K

$148.4K

How much do data journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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:

Infographic showing various Data Journalist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,065 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Data Visualization Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$1.0K - $2.0K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Internship Opportunities
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options - all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.
About FDD's Internship Program
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Data Visualization Department
FDD's visuals team is seeking a full-time or part-time Data Visualization Intern to assist with data analysis, visual storytelling, and interactive graphics. The selected candidate will support the creation of compelling visual representations of complex foreign policy and national security data. This includes collecting and analyzing datasets, building interactive web graphics, designing data-driven visuals for digital platforms, and developing engaging content for FDD's social media channels. Previous knowledge of and skills in Figma, React, and JavaScript are preferred. Experience with data scraping and web development principles is highly valued. An interest in international affairs and national security is also a plus.
Eligibility
  • Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: Data Science, Visual Communication Design, Data Journalism, Computer Science, Statistics, International Relations, Political Science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
  • Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
  • Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week, remote or in-office.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
  3. Portfolio or links to relevant data visualization or web development projects
  4. Unofficial transcript copy

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.