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Investigative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Investigative Reporter - KXAN Investigates (Austin, TX) Want to produce journalism that makes a difference? Join KXAN Investigates, Texas' largest and most respected investigative team and one of the ...

Investigative Reporter - KXAN Investigates (Austin, TX) Want to produce journalism that makes a difference? Join KXAN Investigates, Texas' largest and most respected investigative team and one of the ...

Investigative Reporter

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$21.65 - $26.45/hr

- I-TEAM INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER The CNY Central News Team is seeking to "rebuild" it's award-winning I-Team Investigative Reporting Division after more than three years of significant success and ...

Investigative Reporter - KXAN Investigates (Austin, TX) Want to produce journalism that makes a difference? Join KXAN Investigates, Texas' largest and most respected investigative team and one of the ...

Identify and pitch investigative angles to big daily news stories * Work closely with Producer and Executive Producer to refine investigative pitches and story scripts * Develop a network of sources ...

KHGI seeks an enterprising and aggressive reporter to join our team of investigative and consumer reporters. We are looking for someone with a clear understanding of how to dig for a story, research ...

Investigative Analyst

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Investigative Analyst Location: Sacramento, CA Security Clearance: Public Trust Salary: Approximately $80,000-$85,000/Annually Due to the nature of law enforcement work and operation, position may ...

Through tip-driven and enterprise investigations, KLAS has helped change laws, recovered millions of dollars for viewers, revealed major safety issues and exposed corruption among elected leaders.

Investigative Analyst

Anchorage, AK · On-site +1

$52K - $68K/yr

The selectee of this position serves as an Investigative Analyst. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing a variety of intelligence data, and processing, tracking and inputting warrants ...

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Investigative information

See salary details

$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do investigative jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigative in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid investigator?

The highest paid investigators are often private investigators or specialized forensic investigators, with top earners making over $100,000 annually. Factors influencing salary include experience, certifications, industry, and geographic location, with some forensic experts and corporate investigators earning higher compensation due to specialized skills and advanced tools.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In investigative roles, high-earning positions such as senior private investigators, forensic consultants, or security firm owners can reach or exceed $1 million annually, often through a combination of salary, bonuses, and business profits. These roles typically require extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes entrepreneurial efforts or leadership in high-stakes environments.

What types of challenges might I encounter when working as an investigative professional, and how can I effectively manage them?

As an investigative professional, you may face challenges such as gathering reliable information from reluctant sources, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring personal safety during fieldwork. Navigating ethical considerations and maintaining objectivity are also critical aspects of the role. Building strong interviewing skills, maintaining meticulous records, and collaborating with legal or law enforcement teams can help you overcome these challenges and ensure thorough, credible investigations.

What are investigative jobs?

Investigative jobs involve researching, analyzing, and uncovering information to solve problems or answer questions. Professionals in this field, such as investigative journalists or private investigators, gather evidence, conduct interviews, and verify facts to reveal the truth about various issues or incidents. These roles often require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ethical standards. Investigative jobs can be found in journalism, law enforcement, corporate security, and legal sectors.

What types of jobs are investigative?

Investigative jobs involve researching, analyzing, and uncovering information across various fields. Common roles include detectives, criminal investigators, private investigators, intelligence analysts, and forensic specialists, often requiring strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and relevant certifications or training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Investigative Journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Journalist, you need strong research skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, and a relevant degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with data analysis tools, public records databases, and digital content management systems is often required. Persistence, ethical judgment, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are crucial for uncovering the truth, producing impactful stories, and maintaining public trust in journalism.

Which careers are investigative?

Investigative careers involve roles that require analyzing information, solving problems, and conducting research. Examples include detectives, criminal investigators, forensic scientists, intelligence analysts, and research scientists, often requiring strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and relevant certifications or education.
More about Investigative jobs
What cities are hiring for Investigative jobs? Cities with the most Investigative job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Investigative jobs? The most popular types of Investigative jobs are:
What states have the most Investigative jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigative jobs include:
Infographic showing various Investigative job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Investigative Reporter - KXAN Investigates (Austin, TX)

Want to produce journalism that makes a difference?

Join KXAN Investigates, Texas' largest and most respected investigative team and one of the premier local investigative units in the country. Our award-winning journalists have changed laws, exposed corruption, uncovered life-threatening safety failures and held powerful institutions accountable.

We're looking for an experienced Investigative Reporter who can uncover original stories, develop sources, analyze records and data and deliver impactful journalism across multiple platforms. This is not an entry-level position. The ideal candidate has a strong investigative track record and is ready to collaborate with a nationally recognized team.

What You'll Do

  • Develop and report original investigative and accountability-driven stories.
  • File public records requests, analyze documents and data and build sources.
  • Produce compelling investigations for television, digital, streaming and social platforms.
  • Collaborate on major team projects, innovative initiatives and longform investigations.
  • Turn breaking news into deeper accountability reporting.
  • Present stories on-air with confidence and credibility.

What You'll Bring

  • 5+ years of professional reporting experience, including at least 2 years dedicated to investigative reporting.
  • Proven experience producing impactful investigative and accountability journalism.
  • Experience with public information requests, background research, Excel and basic data analysis.
  • Strong writing, storytelling and reporting skills, with impeccable accuracy, uncompromising ethics and sound news judgment.
  • A passion for multi-platform storytelling and audience engagement.
  • Relentless curiosity, strong ethics and a collaborative spirit.

A bachelor's degree in journalism is preferred. Candidates must submit a resume and links to investigative work.

Why KXAN?

KXAN's "in-depth, investigative" brand isn't a slogan - it's who we are. You'll work alongside some of the most accomplished investigative journalists in the business, with the time, resources and support to pursue stories that matter.

If you're an experienced investigator ready to produce journalism that drives real change, we want to hear from you. Explore our work, and learn more about the team.