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Data Visualization Journalist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Morningstar, Inc.

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

You will work closely with data journalists, editors, product managers, and other engineers to ... Experience with data visualization tools such as Datawrapper, preferred. We're not considering ...

Deloitte

Editor, Consumer Industry

Chicago, IL

... data science and visualization professionals, designers, video strategists, and production ... Journalist's instinct for fact-checking and critical thinking; ability to read research with ...

All JobsData Visualization Journalist JobsData Visualization Journalist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Data Visualization Journalist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$62.8K

$134.9K

How much do data visualization journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for data visualization journalist in Chicago, IL is $62,817.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,100.00 and $81,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Data Visualization Journalists face when translating complex datasets for a general audience?

Data Visualization Journalists often encounter the challenge of simplifying intricate or large datasets without losing essential context or accuracy. Striking a balance between clarity and depth requires careful selection of visual formats and storytelling techniques. Additionally, they must ensure that visualizations are accessible to diverse audiences, which often involves collaborating closely with editors, designers, and subject matter experts to refine both the data and narrative. Staying updated with new visualization tools and maintaining ethical standards in data representation are also ongoing aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Data Visualization Journalist vs Data Journalist?

AspectData Visualization JournalistData Journalist
Required SkillsData analysis, visualization tools, storytellingData analysis, reporting, storytelling
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, news organizations, online platformsNewsrooms, research institutions, media outlets
Common CertificationsData visualization, journalism, data analysisJournalism, data analysis, reporting

While both roles involve working with data and storytelling, Data Visualization Journalists focus more on creating visual representations of data to enhance storytelling, whereas Data Journalists primarily analyze and report on data findings. The roles often overlap but differ in emphasis on visualization skills versus data analysis and reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Visualization Journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Visualization Journalist, you need strong data analysis skills, journalistic storytelling ability, and proficiency in visual communication, often supported by a degree in journalism, data science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Adobe Illustrator, D3.js, and data scraping or analytics platforms is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are key soft skills that set top candidates apart. These skills ensure that data-driven stories are accurate, engaging, and accessible to broad audiences, which is vital for impactful journalism.

What is a Data Visualization Journalist?

A Data Visualization Journalist is a professional who combines data analysis, storytelling, and graphic design to create compelling visual representations of information for news organizations or media outlets. They use charts, maps, infographics, and interactive graphics to help readers understand complex topics and trends. Their work involves gathering and analyzing data, collaborating with reporters and editors, and using visualization tools to present data-driven stories in an engaging and accessible way.
What are popular job titles related to Data Visualization Journalist jobs in Chicago, IL? For Data Visualization Journalist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Visualization Journalist jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Data Visualization Journalist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Data Visualization Journalist jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Data Visualization Journalist job openings:
Data Visualization Journalist jobs near you
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Morningstar, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

MorningStar Senior Living rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 238 rated social care providers

Job description

About the Role
The Editorial Automation Software Engineer will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining scalable software systems that power Morningstar's data-driven markets journalism. This role focuses on creating reliable, maintainable architecture and tooling that enable editors and data journalists to produce timely, accurate content using Morningstar data.
You will work closely with data journalists, editors, product managers, and other engineers to translate editorial and business requirements into production-quality software. While the systems you build support editorial workflows, this is fundamentally a software engineering role, with a strong emphasis on scalable system design, code quality, and operational efficiency.
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid Policy- 4 days onsite)
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop scalable, maintainable architecture that transforms structured financial data into editorial outputs such as full articles, charts, and tables.
  • Build and maintain high-quality software that powers automated editorial workflows, including data-focused content creation and publishing integrations with internal Content Management Systems (CMS).
  • Write clean, well-tested, and well-documented code following Morningstar engineering standards and best practices.
  • Build and maintain event-driven architectures powered by Amazon Web Services such as AWS Lambda, EventBridge, and related services.
  • Collaborate with data journalists and editors to understand requirements and deliver tools that are reliable, intuitive, and extensible.
  • Improve and refactor existing systems to enhance performance, reliability, and adaptability as data sources and business needs evolve.
  • Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting to proactively detect, diagnose, and prevent production issues.
  • Ensure data quality and correctness through validation, error handling, and unit testing.
  • Participate in code reviews, technical design discussions, and architecture decisions.
  • Contribute to planning and estimation for projects supporting editorial automation and markets coverage.

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field
  • 3+ years of professional experience developing production-grade applications.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, R, or SQL for data analysis and transformation.
  • Familiarity with version control (Git) and collaborative development workflows (pull requests, code reviews).
  • Experience with software engineering best practices, including test-driven development, automated unit testing and functional testing, and DevOps practices such as continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD).
  • Ability to implement workflows that track data/API usage and automation executions. Develop reporting and dashboards to assess the reliability, performance, and operational health of automation tools.
  • Experience with AWS compute technologies (Lambda, ECS/ECR, EC2, API Gateway, IAM, S3) is a plus
  • Knowledge and practical experience with domain modeling and object-oriented design patterns and principles, such as the SOLID principles.
  • Experience supporting data-heavy products or internal tools.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deliverables in a collaborative team environment.
  • Familiarity with financial markets and reporting standards, with the ability to interpret complex data sets, preferred.
  • Experience working within an agile environment, preferred.
  • Experience with data visualization tools such as Datawrapper, preferred.

We're not considering candidates who require sponsorship now or in the future
Total Cash Compensation Range
$89,625.00-131,441.66
Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive
Compensation and Benefits
At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That's why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:
  • Financial Health
    • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
    • Stock Ownership Potential
    • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
  • Physical Health
    • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
    • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
    • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
  • Emotional Health
    • Trust-Based Time Off
    • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
    • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
    • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
    • Adoption Assistance
    • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
    • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
    • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Social Health
    • Charitable Matching Gifts program
    • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
    • Paid volunteering days
    • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

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