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Entry Level Investigative Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WOWK-TV

Bilingual producer/reporter

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$18/hr

This is an excellent entry level position for an early career journalist. People who hold this job frequently move to on-air positions. * Produces newscasts for broadcast across all platforms

Charles Taylor

Editor (Orlando, FL)

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

Contego Investigative Services, LLC, a division of Charles Taylor, is a leading nationwide ... A degree in English, Journalism or Communications is preferred. This role will be based in the ...

Charles Taylor

Editor (Orlando, FL)

Orlando, FL · On-site

Contego Investigative Services, LLC, a division of Charles Taylor, is a leading nationwide ... A degree in English, Journalism or Communications is preferred. This role will be based in the ...

Hearst

Sales Development Representative

Norwalk, CT · Hybrid

Fast-Track Your Career - This entry-level role is your gateway to a high-powered sales career. Most ... journalistic commitment to provide local, watchdog and investigative reporting that informs ...

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Entry Level Investigative Journalism information

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level investigative journalism in the United States is $23.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level investigative journalism?

Entry-level investigative journalism refers to positions in journalism where newcomers are tasked with researching, reporting, and uncovering information that is often hidden or not immediately obvious to the public. These roles typically involve assisting with background research, fact-checking, conducting interviews, and sometimes writing or contributing to longer investigative pieces under the guidance of senior journalists. Entry-level investigative journalists need strong analytical skills, curiosity, and persistence, as well as a commitment to ethical reporting. It's a challenging but rewarding field for those passionate about uncovering the truth and holding powerful entities accountable.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level investigative journalists, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level investigative journalists often face challenges such as building reliable sources, managing tight deadlines, and accessing hard-to-find information. Navigating legal and ethical considerations can also be daunting for those new to the field. To overcome these obstacles, it's important to develop strong research skills, seek mentorship from experienced reporters, and stay persistent when following leads. Collaborating closely with editors and fact-checkers can also help ensure accuracy and professionalism in your reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level investigative journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Investigative Journalist, you need strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills, often supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with digital research tools, data analysis software, and newsroom content management systems is typically required. Curiosity, persistence, ethical judgment, and effective communication help newcomers stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for uncovering accurate stories, building trust, and navigating complex investigations in a fast-paced news environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Investigative Journalism vs Entry Level News Reporting?

AspectEntry Level Investigative JournalismEntry Level News Reporting
CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-intensive, often involves in-depth investigationsFast-paced, covering daily news stories
Employer & Industry UsageMedia outlets, investigative units, non-profitsNews stations, online media, newspapers
Search & Comparison IntentFocused on in-depth, long-term storiesFocused on daily news coverage

Entry Level Investigative Journalism and Entry Level News Reporting both require a journalism degree, but investigative roles focus on in-depth research and long-term stories, while news reporting emphasizes quick coverage of daily events. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles in the media industry.

How to start a career in investigative journalism?

To start a career in investigative journalism, gain strong research and writing skills through a degree in journalism, communications, or related fields. Build experience by contributing to local publications, developing a portfolio of investigative stories, and learning to use tools like data analysis software and public records access. Internships and networking with industry professionals can also help establish a foothold in the field.
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Entry Level Investigative Journalism jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Investigative Journalism job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,090 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Private Investigator

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Digistream Investigations
Insurance Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Digistream Investigationsexternal

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

DigiStream Investigations, a fast-growing, national private investigation firm, seeks a talented addition to our investigation team in the Sacramento, CA Region.
This isn’t your average desk job - being a Private Investigator means you’ll have a career with excitement, travel, autonomy, and purpose. This role is meant for an individual with an adventurous and curious spirit, and the drive to provide our clients with the evidence they need to defend their cases for potentially fraudulent worker's compensation claims.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40-55 hours per week average, 10-11 hours per day average, depending on travel distance to the case and back to your home (commute time in the company vehicle is "on the clock")
Starting Hourly Pay Rate: $20 hourly (entry-level), frequent overtime
Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance offered, and 401(k) retirement plan with 4% Company Match offered


What you’ll get:

  • A foot in the door to the investigations/security/law enforcement fields
  • Experience conducting covert investigations
  • A job you’ll love going to - no one day is the same
  • Opportunities for growth within the company via our Private Investigator Promotion Track
  • Unlike most PI companies, DigiStream provides full benefits, a company vehicle, and paid travel
  • Professional, hands-on training program developed over the course of 25 years
  • Team-building events and comradery with fellow team members

Sky is the limit! The skills you learn here can lead to jobs in:

  • FBI / Law Enforcement
  • ATF / US Border Patrol / State Crime Lab
  • Law / Paralegal / Legal Assistant
  • Security / Corporate Investigations
  • Investigative Journalism

What a day in the life of an investigator looks like:

  • Monitoring, following, and videotaping subjects as they conduct their day-to-day activities
  • Vehicle and foot pursuit of subjects while maintaining cover
  • Activity varies from filming someone at a grocery store or restaurant to filming them at a sporting event or a casino
  • Crafting pre-surveillance strategies based on the setup location and case details
  • Detailed report writing on the activities observed/captured and submission of video evidence
  • Regular communication with team leader on setup positions, activity and tactics

What you’ll need to apply:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be 21 years or older
  • 50 hours per week on average (includes commute & drive time)
  • Willingness to travel and stay overnight on remote assignments (as needed)
  • Availability to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays
  • Ability to start work as early as 5:00 am daily with occasional work into the evenings
  • Must currently live in the Sacramento, CA area
  • Ability to pass DMV check & background check
  • Confident driving skills

Compensation/benefits/promotions:

  • Starting pay: $20.00 per hour
  • Employee Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) with up to 4% company match
  • Performance incentives
  • Paid travel to and from local and remote assignments
  • Cellphone reimbursement
  • Equipment provided including video camera, laptop, tripod, fuel & maintenance card
  • Company-provided surveillance vehicle
  • We hire at the entry level and promote from within based on performance

Note: Position does not require daily commute to an office or motor pool as your surveillance vehicle is entrusted to you and is kept at your residence on a daily basis. Travel to and from assignments will begin and end at your residence.

**Only apply if you have availability to work any of the 7 days of the week, and only if you can work a 5 day per week schedule with an average of 10-12 hours per day, including weekends and holidays**