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Investigative Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Baltimore Sun

Investigative Editor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. * 5+ years of investigative journalism experience, including editorial leadership or producing/editing investigative projects. * Willing to work irregular ...

The Atlantic

Senior Editor

Washington, DC

$105K - $200K/yr

This person should be comfortable operating at all altitudes in the editorial process, moving fast to deliver scoops and going deep to shape major investigations. Editors with expertise in particular ...

WPLG

EDITOR

Pembroke Park, FL · On-site

Editor Responsibilities include, but are not limited to editing of news packages, VO's and other ... drug screen, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference ...

wplg

EDITOR

Miami, FL

Editor Responsibilities include, but are not limited to editing of news packages, VO's and other ... drug screen, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference ...

wplg

EDITOR

Miami, FL

Editor Responsibilities include, but are not limited to editing of news packages, VO's and other ... drug screen, investigative background check, employment/education verifications and reference ...

Stefanini Group

Health Editor

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Stefanini is looking for a rheumatology/dermatology editor to assign and edit medical news content ... Ability to write deep or investigative stories * High reliability and ability to take direction and ...

The Banner

Narrative and Projects Editor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

The Banner seeks a Narrative Editor to lead and shape our most ambitious storytelling and investigative work. This is a critical leadership role at a pivotal moment for our newsroom, signaling our ...

The Banner

Narrative and Projects Editor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

The Banner seeks a Narrative Editor to lead and shape our most ambitious storytelling and investigative work. This is a critical leadership role at a pivotal moment for our newsroom, signaling our ...

WhoWhatWhy

Editor (Volunteer)

New York, NY · On-site +1

Editor (Volunteer) Note: This is a remote, part-time volunteer position. Today, pretty much anyone ... Who We Are WhoWhatWhy is an independent nonprofit investigative news organization producing deep ...

Community Impact

Editor - Spring/Klein

Houston, TX · On-site

$58K/yr

Editor - Spring/Klein -- $58,000 Annually, Top News Organization, Meaningful Work As an Editor for ... Investigate, analyze and interpret newsworthy events within the assigned community to produce and ...

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Investigative Editor information

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How much do investigative editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an investigative editor do?

An investigative editor reviews and refines in-depth reports and stories, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to journalistic standards. They often coordinate with reporters, verify facts, and may use editing tools like content management systems to produce well-researched, compelling investigative content.

What are some common challenges Investigative Editors face in managing long-term projects with multiple reporters?

Investigative Editors often juggle complex, long-term projects that require coordinating multiple reporters, verifying sources, and maintaining rigorous fact-checking standards. Challenges include keeping the team focused on deadlines, ensuring clear communication, and managing sensitive information securely. Editors must also balance editorial independence with legal considerations, especially when stories involve powerful subjects. Proactive planning and fostering a collaborative environment are key to overcoming these hurdles.

What is the highest paying investigator job?

The highest paying investigator roles are often senior positions such as private investigators, corporate security investigators, or federal agents like FBI special agents, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles typically require specialized skills, security clearances, and extensive experience in investigations or law enforcement.

Are investigative journalists in demand?

Investigative journalists are in demand as media organizations seek in-depth reporting to inform the public and hold power accountable. The role often requires strong research skills, familiarity with digital tools, and the ability to work under tight deadlines, with employment prospects influenced by the media industry's overall health and funding for investigative projects.

Is 30 too late to get into journalism?

Investigative editors often start their careers at various ages, and entering journalism at 30 is common. Success depends on skills, experience, and dedication; many professionals transition into journalism later in life and bring valuable perspectives. Building a strong portfolio and gaining relevant experience can help establish a career regardless of age.

What are investigative editors?

Investigative editors are professionals who oversee and guide investigative journalists in researching, reporting, and producing in-depth news stories. They help shape story ideas, ensure accuracy and fairness, and manage the editorial process from conception to publication. Investigative editors also verify sources, check facts, and ensure that legal and ethical standards are met throughout the reporting process. Their role is crucial in producing impactful journalism that uncovers important issues and holds people or institutions accountable.

What is the difference between Investigative Editor vs Fact-Checker?

AspectInvestigative EditorFact-Checker
Required credentialsJournalism, communications, or related degree; strong research skillsJournalism, communications, or related degree; attention to detail
Work environmentMedia outlets, magazines, online platformsMedia organizations, publishing houses, newsrooms
Employer usageOversees investigative stories, verifies sourcesVerifies facts, checks accuracy of content

Investigative Editors and Fact-Checkers both work in media environments and require similar educational backgrounds. However, Investigative Editors focus on developing and overseeing in-depth investigative stories, while Fact-Checkers concentrate on verifying facts and ensuring accuracy. Their roles complement each other in producing credible, well-researched content.

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

To thrive as an Investigative Editor, you need expertise in journalism, strong editorial judgment, and experience in investigative reporting, usually supported by a degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, content management systems, and fact-checking software is typically required. Outstanding critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills are essential for guiding teams and handling sensitive stories. These abilities ensure rigorous, ethical reporting and high-quality investigative journalism that holds power to account.
More about Investigative Editor jobs
What states have the most Investigative Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigative Editor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Investigative Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Investigative Editor jobs are:
Investigative Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Investigative Editor

Investigative Editor

Baltimore Sun

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of investigative journalists, setting editorial priorities and maintaining high standards of accuracy, credibility, and impact.

  • Identify opportunities for investigative projects and guide reporters in developing ideas into comprehensive investigative stories.

  • Oversee audience strategy by analyzing engagement metrics, providing direction to grow readership, and aligning reporting with audience insights.

Job description

Description
The Baltimore Sun is seeking an Editor to lead our digital-forward accountability team. This role will lead the Baltimore Sun's accountability reporting team, guiding journalists to produce original, high-impact accountability journalism that examines how decisions are made, where oversight breaks down, and what the public needs to know to make informed choices.
Essential Functions
  • Lead and mentor a team of investigative journalists, setting editorial priorities and maintaining high standards of accuracy, credibility, and impact.
  • Identify opportunities for investigative projects and guide reporters in developing ideas into comprehensive investigative stories.
  • Set investigative priorities by identifying gaps in coverage and guiding reporters toward stories that serve the public interest.
  • Champion innovative storytelling by encouraging the team to leverage digital tools and multimedia formats to enhance reporting and engage audiences.
  • Oversee audience strategy by analyzing engagement metrics, providing direction to grow readership, and aligning reporting with audience insights.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration with visuals, data, and audience teams to maximize impact, including guiding video production and live-streaming initiatives when appropriate.

Education and Experience Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of investigative journalism experience, including editorial leadership or producing/editing investigative projects.
  • Willing to work irregular hours and holidays as needed.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000
Individual compensation may vary from the target range based on several factors, including experience, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations.
Application Submission
With your submission, please include a cover letter to highlight your editorial leadership, approach to guiding investigative teams, and vision for producing high-impact accountability reporting. Materials can be sent to careers@baltsun.com.

Apply