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Entry Level Data Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Data Journalism information

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How much do entry level data journalism jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level data journalism in the United States is $19.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Data Journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Data Journalist, you need a foundation in journalism, data analysis, and basic statistics, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with data visualization tools (like Tableau), spreadsheet software, and basic coding languages (such as Python or R) is commonly expected. Curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, engaging storytelling that makes data accessible and meaningful to the public.

How do entry level data journalists typically collaborate with editors and other reporters on investigative stories?

Entry level data journalists often work closely with editors and other reporters throughout the investigative process. They may be responsible for sourcing, cleaning, and analyzing datasets that support narrative reporting, and will regularly discuss findings with editors to shape story direction. Collaboration can involve contributing data-driven insights during meetings, visualizing data for publication, and ensuring that analysis aligns with journalistic standards. This teamwork not only enhances the quality of stories but also provides valuable learning opportunities for new data journalists.

What is entry level data journalism?

Entry level data journalism refers to positions for early-career journalists who use data analysis and visualization to find, tell, and enhance news stories. These roles typically involve gathering, cleaning, and interpreting data sets, then presenting findings through articles, charts, maps, or interactive graphics. Entry level data journalists often work alongside reporters and editors to uncover trends and insights that may not be immediately visible from traditional reporting methods. Essential skills include basic statistical analysis, proficiency with spreadsheet tools, and sometimes introductory programming or data visualization software. Many entry level positions provide on-the-job training and are a pathway into specialized investigative or data-driven reporting.

What is the difference between Entry Level Data Journalism vs Data Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Data JournalismData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Journalism, Communications, or related field; basic data skillsBachelor's in Statistics, Data Science, or related field; proficiency in data tools
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, newsrooms, online publicationsCorporate, finance, healthcare, or tech companies
Employer & Industry UsageNews organizations, media companiesVarious industries requiring data interpretation
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Data Journalism focuses on storytelling through data in media settings, requiring journalism skills combined with basic data analysis. Data Analysts work across industries analyzing data to inform business decisions, often requiring advanced data skills. While both roles involve data, their primary functions and work environments differ significantly.

More about Entry Level Data Journalism jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Data Journalism jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Data Journalism job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Journalism jobs? The most popular types of Data Journalism jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Data Journalism jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Data Journalism jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Data Journalism job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,504 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Junior News Editor - Consulting

Sunwater Capital

North Bethesda, MD • On-site, Remote

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Legis1 is a political news company with a fresh approach. We combine structured data, artificial intelligence, and real editorial expertise to produce accurate, high-volume coverage of government, legislation, and elections. We're building something new - and we want great editors to help shape it.
POSITION
We are hiring a team of 7 junior editors on a consulting basis to help review, edit, and improve AI-generated political news content. This is a great entry point for someone early in their editing or journalism career who wants hands-on experience at the cutting edge of AI-assisted newsrooms.
You do not need to be a tech expert. You do need to care about accuracy, clear writing, and how government works.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Daily Content Review & Editing
  • Read and edit AI-generated news stories about legislation, elections, voting records, and government activity
  • Check facts - bill numbers, vote counts, committee actions, election results
  • Correct grammar, tone, clarity, and structure
  • Flag stories that need a closer look before publication

Quality Control
  • Follow editorial guidelines to make sure every story meets accuracy and style standards
  • Help identify patterns in errors so the team can improve the AI's output over time
  • Apply consistent standards across different story types (short briefs, summaries, reports)

Editorial Support
  • Support senior editors with workflow tasks and content management
  • Help maintain organized editorial queues in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • Contribute feedback on what's working and what isn'tå

REQUIREMENTS
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field
  • Some editing or writing experience - internships, campus media, freelance, or entry-level roles count
  • Basic understanding of how U.S. government and legislation work
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to catch factual errors
  • Comfortable working independently and managing your own task queue
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general digital tools

Nice to Have
  • Any experience with political journalism, policy writing, or civic content
  • Familiarity with AI writing tools (ChatGPT, etc.)
  • Experience with content management systems (CMS)
  • Coursework or interest in data journalism or digital media

Salary/Rate: $18.00 - $20.00/per hour depending on skills and experience.
Consulting / Contract Position
Legis1 is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
#Legis1
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.