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Entry Level Data Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

Business and Education Reporter

Alton, IL · On-site

This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or early-career journalist who wants to develop ... Regularly pitch stories based on source development, public records, data and firsthand reporting.

Hearst

Business and Education Reporter

Alton, IL · On-site

This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or early-career journalist who wants to develop ... Regularly pitch stories based on source development, public records, data and firsthand reporting.

Hearst

Business and Education Reporter

Alton, IL · On-site

This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or early-career journalist who wants to develop ... Regularly pitch stories based on source development, public records, data and firsthand reporting.

Hearst

Business and Education Reporter

Alton, IL · On-site

This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or early-career journalist who wants to develop ... Regularly pitch stories based on source development, public records, data and firsthand reporting.

Hearst

Sales Account Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

The entry level position is a sales training program geared toward developing candidates into Sales ... Learn and work with Nielsen research data * Roleplay and practice presentations regularly ...

WOWK-TV

Meteorologist

Abilene, TX · On-site

Ensures that all weather/news content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and ... Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or ...

Tribune Media

Meteorologist

Abilene, TX · On-site

Ensures that all weather/news content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and ... Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or ...

Nexstar Media Group

Meteorologist

Abilene, TX · On-site

Ensures that all weather/news content meets company standards for journalistic integrity and ... Please be aware candidates may be at risk of being targeted by scammers seeking personal data or ...

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

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

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 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.

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.

Are data journalists in demand?

Data journalists are increasingly in demand as news organizations seek professionals skilled in data analysis, visualization, and storytelling using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau. The growth of digital media and data-driven reporting has expanded opportunities for entry-level data journalism roles across media outlets and online platforms.

How to get started in entry level data journalism?

To start in entry level data journalism, develop skills in data analysis, visualization, and storytelling using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau. Gain experience through internships, online courses, or personal projects that showcase your ability to interpret and communicate data effectively.
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Entry Level Data Journalism jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Data Journalism job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $40,504 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Business and Education Reporter

HNP Midwest Communities

Alton, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description


Business and Education reporter
Are you a curious, ambitious journalist ready to develop expertise on two of the issues that matter most to local communities? The Telegraph is seeking a Business and Education Reporter to cover the schools, employers, institutions, and economic forces shaping life in and around Alton, Illinois, and across our portion of the Metro East.
This position is based in Alton, Illinois, on the Illinois side of the St. Louis metropolitan area. From our newsroom overlooking the Mississippi River, our journalists produce meaningful local reporting that informs readers, holds institutions accountable, and helps residents understand changes affecting their lives.
Why The Telegraph?
The Telegraph is a leader in covering Alton, Madison County and the broader Metro East region. Our newsroom values original reporting, strong community connections and journalism that goes beyond announcements and meeting agendas.
We offer a collaborative environment where reporters can develop their beats, pursue ambitious stories, experiment with digital storytelling and grow as journalists.
Job Description
We are seeking an energetic and resourceful Business and Education Reporter to take primary responsibility for The Telegraph's coverage of K-12 education and local business.
The position will have a roughly even split between the two beats. The reporter will produce a mix of timely daily stories, explanatory journalism, enterprise reporting, and accountability work.
This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level or early-career journalist who wants to develop strong reporting fundamentals, build expertise and take ownership of important local beats. The successful candidate will receive guidance from editors while also being expected to cultivate sources, pitch ideas and pursue original reporting.
The reporter may occasionally assist with other coverage when newsroom needs require.
What will you do?
  • Own the Education and Business Beats: Develop authoritative coverage of K-12 schools, school districts, school boards, educators, students and families, as well as local businesses, major employers, economic development and workforce issues.
  • Generate Original Reporting: Build relationships with parents, students, teachers, school employees, business owners, workers, public officials and community members. Regularly pitch stories based on source development, public records, data and firsthand reporting.
  • Cover Education: Provide regular coverage of public school districts, school boards and administrators, teachers, students and families. Report on school budgets, enrollment, academic performance, staffing, curriculum, policy decisions, construction projects, consolidation proposals, potential closures and other issues affecting local schools. Follow state education policies when they have meaningful consequences for districts in the coverage area. Periodically cover local higher-education institutions, including the community college, nearby private colleges and the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, when developments are relevant to The Telegraph readers.
  • Cover Local Business and the Economy: Report on business openings, closures and expansions; major employers; workforce and labor issues; downtown development; public incentives; commercial development; and the local effects of broader economic changes.
  • Produce Daily and Enterprise Journalism: Balance quick-turn stories with deeper reporting that provides context, identifies patterns and explains why an issue matters to readers.
  • Pursue Accountability Reporting: Use public records, budgets, contracts, regulatory documents and data to examine decisions involving public institutions, taxpayer money, economic incentives and community impact.
  • Cover Relevant Public Meetings: Periodically cover evening meetings, including school board sessions and government meetings involving economic development or major business decisions. File accurate, clean stories on deadline.
  • Provide Useful, Audience-Focused Coverage: Produce service journalism that helps families, employees, consumers and business owners understand important changes and make informed decisions.
  • Tell Stories Digitally: Use photography, video, social media and other digital tools to strengthen reporting and reach audiences across platforms.
  • Collaborate: Work closely with editors, reporters, and other colleagues to produce timely and impactful journalism.
  • Assist With Major News Coverage: Occasionally contribute to breaking news or general assignment coverage when another reporter is unavailable or when a major story requires broader newsroom support.

What will it take to be successful?
  • Strong Writing and Reporting: An ability to write clearly, accurately, and with authority across breaking news, daily, and enterprise formats.
  • News Judgment: A strong sense of what makes a compelling local story and an ability to recognize how institutional decisions affect readers.
  • Beat Development: The ability to establish sources, maintain a forward-looking story calendar and develop expertise across two substantial coverage areas.
  • Initiative: A self-starter who regularly pitches ideas, follows leads and pursues stories independently.
  • Records and Data Skills: Comfort reading agendas, budgets, contracts, government documents and basic datasets. Experience with public records requests is preferred.
  • Organization: The ability to manage competing deadlines while balancing daily coverage with longer-term reporting.
  • Collaboration: A willingness to work closely with editors and colleagues in a fast-moving, evolving newsroom.
  • Published Work: A portfolio of published reporting from professional outlets, student publications or other credible news organizations.
  • Education and Experience: A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or a related field is preferred, but equivalent professional experience and a strong body of published work will also be considered.
  • Digital Skills: Familiarity with digital publishing, social media, photography, video, or audience analytics is a plus. A willingness to learn new tools is essential.
  • Location: The reporter must be based in the region or willing to relocate.

Our Benefits: At Hearst Newspapers we not only support our employees through personal and professional development, but we also believe in promoting each individual's physical, financial and emotional wellbeing (and that of their family). Our industry-leading benefits include:
  • Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
  • Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
  • Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
  • Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
  • Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
  • Emotional Wellbeing: Be your best self with our mental wellness benefits.
  • LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual's unique needs.
  • Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey.
  • Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too - helping you keep them happy and healthy.
  • And more, click here for additional benefits and details.

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in the state of Illinois. The reasonable estimate, if hired in Illinois is $35,360. Please note this information is specific to those hired in Illinois. If this role is open to candidates outside of Illinois, the salary range would be aligned to that specific location. A final decision on the successful candidate's starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.
About the Telegraph
The Telegraph is passionate and committed to its role as the watchdog and trusted source of news, entertainment and advertising for the Alton community and the River Bend region of Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin and Greene counties in Illinois. Since its founding on January 17, 1836, The Telegraph has been the main news outlet for the region through its daily publication and now its print and online presence at thetelegraph.com. The Telegraph strives to maintain a high standard of accuracy and integrity in its reporting and has received nearly 300 awards since 1997.
About Hearst Newspapers:
With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories-growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms-to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action, and be inspired.
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