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Investigative Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Baltimore Sun

Investigative Editor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Lead and mentor a team of investigative journalists, setting editorial priorities and maintaining high standards of accuracy, credibility, and impact. * Identify opportunities for investigative ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Charleston, SC

WCIV seeks an enterprising and aggressive reporter to join our team of journalists. We are looking ... Identify and pitch investigative angles to big daily news stories * Work closely with Producer and ...

The New York Times

Local Investigations Fellow

Ability to bring a new perspectives to investigative journalism Learn more about the program here. To apply, upload a résumé, Cover Letter (as described below) and five clips in one attachment.

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter/Anchor

Bristol, VA

$18.70 - $22/hr

Investigative Reporter/Anchor WCYB/WEMT is seeking an experienced, enterprising, and relentless ... We are looking for a journalist who is passionate about uncovering impactful stories, holding those ...

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Investigative Journalism information

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How much do investigative journalism jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative journalism 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 investigative journalism?

Investigative journalism is a form of journalism in which reporters deeply research a single topic of interest, such as serious crimes, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing. It often involves gathering and analyzing large amounts of information, interviewing sources, and sometimes even going undercover to uncover facts that are not easily accessible to the public. The goal is to reveal information that is of significant public interest and to hold powerful individuals or organizations accountable. Investigative journalists must be persistent, detail-oriented, and committed to ethical standards in order to provide accurate, impactful reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an investigative journalist?

To thrive as an Investigative Journalist, you need strong research abilities, critical thinking, and a background in journalism or communications, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, public records databases, and digital security practices is typically required. Persistence, ethical judgment, and excellent written and verbal communication are vital soft skills for uncovering and reporting complex stories. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate, impactful investigations that hold institutions accountable and inform the public.

What are some common challenges investigative journalists face when conducting in-depth reporting?

Investigative journalists often encounter obstacles such as limited access to information, uncooperative sources, and legal or ethical considerations when handling sensitive data. Protecting source confidentiality and verifying facts rigorously are essential but can be time-consuming. Additionally, investigative work usually requires collaboration with editors, legal teams, and sometimes data analysts to ensure stories are both accurate and publishable. Navigating these challenges demands persistence, strong research skills, and a commitment to ethical journalism.

What is the difference between Investigative Journalism vs News Reporting?

AspectInvestigative JournalismNews Reporting
CredentialsJournalism degree, investigative reporting experienceJournalism degree, reporting experience
Work EnvironmentResearch-heavy, in-depth investigationsFast-paced, on-the-spot reporting
Employer & IndustryMedia outlets, newspapers, magazinesNews agencies, TV stations, online media
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding investigative vs general reportingClarifying roles in journalism

Investigative journalism focuses on in-depth research and uncovering hidden truths, often requiring extensive investigation. News reporting involves delivering timely news updates and covering current events quickly. While both roles require journalism skills, investigative journalism demands more research and analytical skills, whereas news reporting emphasizes speed and accuracy.

Do investigative journalists get paid well?

Investigative journalists' salaries vary based on experience, employer, and location, but generally they earn moderate to competitive wages compared to other journalism roles. Entry-level positions tend to 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.

How do you become an investigative journalist?

To become an investigative journalist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong research and writing skills, and learning to use tools like data analysis software are essential steps. Building a reputation for thorough, ethical reporting is key to advancing in this field.

What can investigative journalists do?

Investigative journalists research, analyze, and uncover information on issues of public interest, often exposing corruption, fraud, or abuse. They use skills such as data analysis, interviewing, and fact-checking, and may work with tools like databases and document analysis software. Their work can lead to reports, articles, or documentaries that inform the public and hold power to account.
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Investigative Journalism jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Journalism job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,090 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Executive Producer, Journalism and Production

O'Keefe Media Group

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Title: Executive Producer
Location: West Palm Beach, FL (On-site)
Department: Journalism & Production
Reports To: Chief of Staff
About O'Keefe Media Group
O'Keefe Media Group (OMG) is a mission-driven investigative journalism organization dedicated to exposing corruption, corporate and government misconduct, and giving voice to whistleblowers. Through investigative reporting and cinematic storytelling, we seek to inform the public and hold powerful institutions accountable.
Position Summary
The Executive Producer is accountable for the overall success of O'Keefe Media Group's Journalism and Production departments. This position owns the quality, timeliness, impact, and operational execution of all journalistic content while translating the CEO's editorial vision into consistently exceptional productions.
Success in this role is measured by the organization's ability to consistently publish compelling investigative journalism, create lasting impact that benefits the public, execute projects efficiently, and grow audience trust and engagement.
Areas of Accountability
Editorial Excellence
Objective: Deliver investigative journalism that advances OMG's mission and meets the highest editorial standards.
Measures of Success
  • High-impact investigative stories are consistently published.
  • Reporting maintains exceptional standards of accuracy, fairness, and legal defensibility.
  • Editorial priorities align with the organization's strategic objectives.
  • Published content strengthens OMG's reputation for investigative journalism.

Production Execution
Objective: Ensure all productions are delivered on schedule and meet professional production standards.
Measures of Success
  • Productions consistently meet publishing deadlines.
  • Video quality reflects broadcast and cinematic standards.
  • Multiple projects move efficiently through production simultaneously.
  • Production bottlenecks are minimized without sacrificing quality.

Team Performance
Objective: Build a high-performing Journalism and Production department capable of sustained excellence.
Measures of Success
  • Teams consistently achieve production objectives.
  • Employee performance and accountability improve over time.
  • Department turnover remains low while maintaining high standards.
  • Leadership succession and staff development strengthen organizational capacity.

Operational Effectiveness
Objective: Maximize the productivity and efficiency of Journalism and Production operations.
Measures of Success
  • Resources are effectively allocated across projects.
  • Production capacity increases without compromising quality.
  • Cross-functional collaboration supports organizational priorities.
  • Operational challenges are resolved before impacting production schedules.

Organizational Impact
Objective: Expand the reach and influence of OMG journalism.
Measures of Success
  • Audience engagement continues to grow.
  • Investigations generate meaningful public discussion and accountability.
  • Programming supports organizational growth and sustainability.
  • Journalism consistently advances the mission of O'Keefe Media Group.

Qualifications
  • Demonstrated success leading investigative journalism, news, documentary, or broadcast production organizations.
  • Proven experience managing multidisciplinary creative teams.
  • Strong editorial judgment and understanding of investigative reporting.
  • Experience overseeing complex productions from concept through publication.
  • Ability to execute multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
  • Strong operational, strategic, and organizational leadership experience.

Performance Scorecard
Success in this position will primarily be evaluated by:
  • Consistent delivery of high-quality investigative journalism.
  • Timely execution of production schedules.
  • Department productivity and operational efficiency.
  • Audience growth and engagement.
  • Team performance, development, and retention.
  • Editorial accuracy and legal compliance.
  • Successful execution of the CEO's strategic vision.
  • Overall performance of the Journalism and Production departments.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off and paid holidays
  • Opportunity to lead one of the nation's premier investigative journalism organizations

Apply