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Entry Level Reporter Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Reporter information

See Illinois salary details

$14.5K

$41.1K

$75.1K

How much do entry level reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level reporter in Illinois is $41,065.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,000.00 and $48,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level reporter?

Entry level reporters are journalists who are new to the profession, often just starting their careers in news organizations or media outlets. They are responsible for researching, writing, and reporting news stories under the supervision of more experienced editors. Entry level reporters typically cover local events, community issues, or assist with larger stories while learning newsroom workflows and journalistic standards. Their work helps them build essential skills in interviewing, fact-checking, and storytelling, laying the foundation for advancement in the journalism field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level reporter?

To thrive as an Entry Level Reporter, you need strong writing, research, and interviewing skills, usually supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, digital publishing tools, and basic multimedia editing software is typically expected. Curiosity, persistence, and excellent interpersonal communication help reporters build sources and tell compelling stories. These abilities are crucial for producing accurate, engaging news content and meeting tight deadlines in a competitive media environment.

What are common challenges faced by entry level reporters during their first year on the job?

Entry level reporters often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to fast-paced newsroom environments, meeting tight deadlines, and learning to balance accuracy with speed. Building a reliable network of sources and gaining trust in the community can also be difficult initially. Additionally, new reporters may need to handle a diverse range of assignments, from covering breaking news to attending community events, which requires strong organizational skills and adaptability.

What is the difference between Entry Level Reporter vs Junior Journalist?

AspectEntry Level ReporterJunior Journalist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldBachelor's degree in journalism, media, or related field
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, online platformsNews organizations, online media, print outlets
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in news reporting and media industryUsed interchangeably in journalism and media sectors
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap with Junior Journalist in entry-level rolesOften compared for early career positions

The main difference between an Entry Level Reporter and a Junior Journalist lies in terminology and specific employer preferences. Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and work in comparable environments within the media industry. They are often used interchangeably for entry-level positions, with the choice depending on the company's naming conventions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reporter jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Reporter jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Reporter jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Reporter job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Reporter job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,065 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Employee Life Cycle Coordinator

BY YOUR SIDE-Autism Therapy Services

Oak Brook, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$21 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

General Summary

The BY YOUR SIDE Life Cycle Coordinator is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support functions for various Human Resources services to support the leaders and employees at BYS. The HR Coordinator responsibilities include onboarding, orientation, offboarding, retention, Unemployment Claims, basic payroll functions and company policies and practices.

The Coordinator is responsible for supporting the HR department with managing tasks and providing administrative support to all employees at the direction of the HR Manager. Responsible for entering and maintaining data in multiple systems including the HRIS, entry level payroll experience is a plus. Must own maintenance of personnel files, will need to have basic knowledge of FMLA, I-9 USCIS Work Auth, IDOL, EEOC, ADA and Workmen’s Compensation including all regulatory requirements of an HR Department and HR supporting role. A previous entry level HR role with 9 months - 2 years of experience is a strong PLUS to support success in the role. The HR Coordinator will also support Onboarding, Orientation, Engagement, Benefits, Personnel File Maintenance and legal required documentation in the day-to-day operation of an HR Department.

The Coordinator always operates in a professional and ethical manor and sets the example with regards to interfacing with employees while answering incoming inquiries to the department, supporting other roles and supporting various department leaders to meet needs.

This is a full time position and hours of work and days may vary based upon the needs of the business. Your required work schedule will be split between multiple centers (Naperville, Plainfield, Tinley Park, Darien in IL), with the home base being flexible based on geography and need. This role also supports an employee population based in IL, GA and CO. Position could work remotely after training possibly one or two days a week as responsibilities and department integration and agility increase.

We Offer

  • Compensation: $21-$23/hour
  • Full benefits package (health insurance, dental, vision)
  • 4 weeks paid time off per calendar year
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401K with Company Match
  • Brand new facilities, with a clean and safe work environment
  • Employee Recognition Program

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

Core duties and responsibilities include the following:

  • Schedule, assist and create all onboarding documents, conduct remote orientation (pre and post), including i9 verifications and compliance testing, generally every other week.
  • Supports background screens and ensures compliance as part of onboarding process.

  • Processing all status changes within the required systems ensuring timely communication with department heads and teams.

  • Support the maintenance of all online training (HIPAA, Bloodborne Pathogen, Mandated Reporter and Sexual Harassment) within designated platform.

  • Educate newly hired employees on HR policies, internal procedures and regulations.

  • Oversee and input all new hires in the HRIS; as well as into any required peripheral software, support all integration projects and software changes as needed.

  • Maintain and audit all personnel digital files and upload their documents into personnel files.

  • Follow up with employee engagement plans, meet and greets and stay interviews.

  • Preparing all anniversary certificates, keeping track of gifts and preparing updates and assisting the HR staff for distribution.

  • Perform various administrative and clerical functions for the HR Department

  • Assist with any payroll initiatives.

  • Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills Required

Include demonstrated competencies and physical, mental, & interpersonal skills

  • Bachelor's degree required, Human Resource Management strongly preferred.
  • 12+ months experience in a human resource coordinator or specialist role required.
  • Experience with orientation, onboarding and offboarding strongly preferred.
  • Must be able to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information. Experience handling such information is required.
  • Understanding of State and Federal policies, such as, HIPAA, EEO and ADA.
  • Must have a high level of initiative and be able to work effectively without constant, direct supervision.
  • Flexibility and dependability with schedule as orientation locations may change.
  • Must be responsible, adaptable, honest and reliable.
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently with constant changing priorities and deadlines in this fast-pace organization.
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, execute on deadlines and produce high-quality deliverables with great attention to details.
  • Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Reliable transportation and the ability to travel as needed.
  • Strong verbal, written, communication and collaboration skills required.
  • Must have a positive “can do” attitude, a people person; as well as a Team Player.
  • Payroll experience a strong plus.
  • Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Products, including data entry, data processing, and communication tools.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.