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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 ...

The Atlantic Monthly Group

Senior Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$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 ...

The New York Times

Local Investigations Fellow

Baquet and a handpicked group of veteran editors, you will receive the rare opportunity to learn the judgment, skills and techniques needed to excel at investigative journalism from the best in the ...

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 · 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 ...

American

Managing Editor, IRW

Campus, IL

The Investigative Reporting Workshop, a nonprofit news organization based at American University, seeks an experienced, dynamic Managing Editor to lead the production of ambitious, high impact ...

HighPoint

Editor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

The role of Editor contributes to HighPoint by ensuring that project deliverables meet the ... an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the ...

HighPoint Global

Editor

Indianapolis, IN

The role of Editor contributes to HighPoint by ensuring that project deliverables meet the ... an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the ...

HighPoint Global

Editor

Baltimore, MD

The role of Editor contributes to HighPoint by ensuring that project deliverables meet the ... an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the ...

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Investigative Editor information

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How much do investigative editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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, edits, and fact-checks in-depth reports and stories to ensure accuracy, clarity, and integrity. They often work closely with journalists, use research tools, and have strong editing skills to produce thorough and credible 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 with specialized expertise, corporate security investigators, or federal agency investigators like FBI agents. These roles typically require advanced training, security clearances, and experience, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the level of responsibility and location.

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.

Do investigative journalists get paid well?

Investigative journalists' salaries vary based on experience, employer, and location, but generally they earn a moderate income compared to other journalism roles. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced investigative reporters working for major outlets or in specialized areas can earn higher salaries. Skills such as research, writing, and data analysis are important in this field.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

Investigative editors in media organizations can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, strong editing skills, and leadership roles. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, large media companies, or roles requiring specialized knowledge and advanced tools like data analysis or multimedia editing.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 21% 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 13 days ago

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