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Freelance Investigative Journalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ProPublica

Freelance Pitch Form

ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the ... Freelancers are independent contractors and will not be treated by ProPublica as employees for any ...

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Multimedia Journalist to join ... Investigate and report on various political stories, including breaking news, in-depth features ...

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Multimedia Journalist to join ... Investigate and report on various political stories, including breaking news, in-depth features ...

The New York Times

Local Investigations Fellow

This one year program is for reporters in local newsrooms or freelancers. Responsibilities: * Spend ... Ability to bring a new perspectives to investigative journalism Learn more about the program here.

ProPublica

Freelance Pitch Form

Here's what journalists submitting proposals should know. We're open to investigations that are ... Freelancers are independent contractors and will not be treated by ProPublica as employees for any ...

The New York Times

Local Investigations Fellow

This one year program is for reporters in local newsrooms or freelancers. Responsibilities: * Spend ... Ability to bring a new perspectives to investigative journalism Learn more about the program here.

Cheddar

Freelance Anchor/Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Business, or a related field (preferred ... Investigate and report on a wide range of business and technology stories, including breaking news ...

Cheddar

Freelance Anchor/Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Business, or a related field (preferred ... Investigate and report on a wide range of business and technology stories, including breaking news ...

American

Managing Editor, IRW

Campus, IL · On-site

They will play a central role in developing the next generation of investigative journalists and ... Interview and hire freelance reporters and editors as needed. 4.) Build and Manage Relationships ...

Fox

Part-Time Freelance Reporter, US News & Crime

$30 - $36.50/hr

You are a seasoned journalist with years of experience in a major newsroom with vast experience in ... Responsible for original, enterprise and investigative reporting * Must be able to respond to ...

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Freelance Investigative Journalist information

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How much do freelance investigative journalist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance investigative journalist 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 the difference between Freelance Investigative Journalist vs Freelance Reporter?

AspectFreelance Investigative JournalistFreelance Reporter
CredentialsStrong research skills, journalism experience, possibly journalism degreeBasic journalism skills, reporting experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent, often working on long-term projectsVaried, covering daily news or events
Industry UsageInvestigative stories for magazines, online outlets, or documentariesNews outlets, online platforms, newspapers
Search & Comparison IntentDeep, detailed investigations vs timely news reporting

Freelance Investigative Journalists focus on in-depth research and uncovering hidden truths, often working on long-term projects. Freelance Reporters typically cover current events and daily news. While both roles require strong journalism skills, investigative journalists need advanced research abilities and a focus on detailed storytelling, whereas reporters prioritize timely news delivery.

Can you be a freelance investigative journalist?

Yes, a freelance investigative journalist can work independently to research and report on complex issues, often requiring strong research, writing skills, and access to tools like recording devices and secure communication platforms. Freelancers typically find work through networking, pitching stories, and building a portfolio, and they may need to adhere to journalistic ethics and legal considerations. Flexibility in schedule and self-motivation are common traits in this role.

How much money do investigative journalists make?

Investigative journalists' salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, and employer, but they typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually. Freelance investigative journalists often set their own rates, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per story, depending on the complexity and scope of the investigation.

How to get a job as a freelance investigative journalist?

To become a freelance investigative journalist, build a strong portfolio of investigative work, develop research and reporting skills, and establish contacts within media outlets or online platforms. Proficiency in tools like data analysis software and adherence to journalistic ethics are also important for success in this field.
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What states have the most Freelance Investigative Journalist jobs?

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The top searched job categories for Freelance Investigative Journalist jobs are:

Freelance Investigative Journalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Investigative Journalist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,090 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Freelance Pitch Form

ProPublica

Remote

Contractor

Re-posted just now

Job description

ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
While the vast majority of ProPublica's work comes from our staff, we occasionally consider supporting ambitious accountability stories or projects from independent journalists whose ideas align with the mission of our organization.
Here's what journalists submitting proposals should know.
We're open to investigations that are revelatory or substantially advance what is known on a subject of importance. The investigation should have the potential to trigger needed reforms by identifying a problem, who's responsible and what should change. It should also clearly show harm. The investigation can be rooted in a place or focus on a person, but it should illuminate an issue of broader relevance.
The best proposals have a clear hypothesis, typically based on significant reporting: They don't wonder whether something bad is happening, they know it. Please include not only a general description of the topic, but also a sense of the anecdotes/data/documents you have gathered, what you expect to find and possible accountability stories you want to tell.
In addition, applicants should detail, as much as is possible at the outset, what an investigation will require: data work, travel, obtaining public records. It's also important for us to know what data, documents and/or source relationships the reporter already has. Finally, we'd like to hear a bit about why you are particularly suited to do this investigation.
We will begin reviewing applications as we receive them, and aim to notify candidates regarding your proposals within two weeks of submission. Questions? Send an email to talent@propublica.org. No phone calls, please.
For those proposals we accept, we pay competitive freelance rates, including reporting expenses. Freelancers are independent contractors and will not be treated by ProPublica as employees for any purpose.
Independent contractors are responsible for paying any required taxes on any compensation received and for understanding the applicable tax laws. We will begin reviewing applications as we receive them, and aim to notify candidates regarding your proposals within two weeks of submission.
We know there are great candidates who may not fit into what we've described above or who have important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
We are dedicated to improving our newsroom, in part by better reflecting the people we cover. (Here is a breakdown of our staff.) We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. And we are taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or any other status protected under applicable law.

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