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Entry Level Investigative Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WOWK-TV

Bilingual producer/reporter

Bakersfield, CA

$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

WOWK-TV

News Anchor

Lansing, MI · On-site

A degree in journalism or a related field is required. So is significant newsroom experience - both ... This is not an entry level job or a job for recent graduates. Excellent news judgment and superior ...

Tribune Media

News Anchor

Lansing, MI · On-site

A degree in journalism or a related field is required. So is significant newsroom experience - both ... This is not an entry level job or a job for recent graduates. Excellent news judgment and superior ...

Nexstar Media Group

News Anchor

Lansing, MI · On-site

A degree in journalism or a related field is required. So is significant newsroom experience - both ... This is not an entry level job or a job for recent graduates. Excellent news judgment and superior ...

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 5, 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Entry Level Investigative Journalism jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Investigative Journalism jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Investigative Journalism job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Investigative Journalism jobs? The most popular types of Investigative Journalism jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Investigative Journalism jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Investigative Journalism jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Investigative Journalism jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Investigative Journalism jobs are:
Entry Level Investigative Journalism jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Investigative Journalism job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,090 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Investigator - 788989

New York City Department of Investigation

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country; its mission is to combat municipal corruption. DOI serves the people of New York City by acting as an independent and nonpartisan watchdog for New York City government, City agencies, and City employees, vendors with City contracts, individuals and entities that receive City funds.
DOI seeks an entry-level Investigator to join our Background Investigation Unit (BIU). Your investigations will play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of New York City's leadership as the BIU investigates City employees for some of the most critical positions. These include, but are not limited to, citywide executive management, employees with financial authority, access to the City's digital security and legal and investigative positions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive, sensitive investigations of individuals under consideration for City appointments to positions of public trust.
- Analyze, evaluate, and authenticate information obtained from the employee and diverse sources, including financial records, criminal history, employment records, education credentials, and other public and open-source intelligence.
- Prepare clear, unbiased investigative reports to support City agencies in their hiring and promotion decisions.
- Manage and complete a large caseload with time sensitive goals, within a team-driven environment.
- Apply critical thinking and sound judgment to evaluate information, resolve discrepancies, and provide accurate investigative findings.
If selected, the candidate will be fingerprinted and undergo a background investigation. In addition, for positions that have a law enforcement and/or investigative function, the candidate's consumer credit history will be reviewed during the background investigation, and as otherwise permitted by NYC Administrative Code 8-107(24)(b)(2)(A).
CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATOR - 31143


Minimum Qualifications

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in an industrial or governmental agency in the field of investigation, auditing, law enforcement, security, inspections, or in a major operational area of the agency in which the appointment is to be made; or
2.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; or
3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above.


Preferred Skills
- Excellent writing skills, ability to prepare clear, concise, organized investigative findings. - Strong communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. - Attention to detail while handling multiple time-sensitive investigations - Professionalism and discretion in handling confidential or sensitive information. - Investigative experience (law enforcement, legal, academic, or journalistic).
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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