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Investigative Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WOWK-TV

Investigative Reporter

Las Vegas, NV

KLAS TV , the CBS affiliate in Las Vegas, Nevada is hiring an experienced Investigative Reporter to join their investigative unit. "The Channel 8 I-team," is a nationally recognized, award-winning ...

Tribune Media

Investigative Reporter

Las Vegas, NV

KLAS TV , the CBS affiliate in Las Vegas, Nevada is hiring an experienced Investigative Reporter to join their investigative unit. "The Channel 8 I-team," is a nationally recognized, award-winning ...

Tribune Media

Investigative Reporter

Austin, TX

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 ...

WOWK-TV

Investigative Reporter

Austin, TX · On-site

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 ...

Nexstar Media Group

Investigative Reporter

Austin, TX · On-site

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 ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Syracuse, NY

$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 ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Axtell, NE

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 ...

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How much do investigative reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative reporter 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Investigative Reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Reporter, you need strong research, analytical, and writing skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with data analysis tools, public records databases, and digital research platforms is often required. Persistence, ethical judgment, and effective interpersonal communication distinguish outstanding investigative journalists. These skills and qualities are crucial for uncovering important stories, ensuring accuracy, and building trust with sources and audiences.

How do you become an investigative reporter?

To become an investigative reporter, individuals 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 portfolio of investigative work and understanding media ethics also help advance in this field.

How much do investigative reporters get paid?

Investigative reporters' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, but the median annual wage in journalism is around $49,300. Experienced investigative journalists working for major outlets or in large markets can earn significantly higher, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Many also work freelance or on contract, which can affect income stability.

What Does an Investigative Reporter Do?

An investigative reporter conducts interviews or research to help build their story. This type of journalism often focuses on one topic at a time and may require travel and irregular hours. In this career, you investigate multiple elements of a story and find various source options to obtain information. You might specialize in a niche, such as crime, politics, or even doing consumer research to see if products meet people’s expectations. Some reporters take photos to accompany their stories. You need basic computer skills to type up and format your story for publishing.

What are some common challenges investigative reporters face when working on complex stories?

Investigative reporters often encounter obstacles such as gaining access to reliable sources, verifying information from multiple perspectives, and handling legal or ethical considerations around sensitive topics. The process can be time-consuming and demanding, requiring persistence, discretion, and adaptability. Collaboration with editors, legal teams, and sometimes data analysts is key to ensuring stories are accurate, fair, and impactful while maintaining source confidentiality and journalistic integrity.

What is the difference between Investigative Reporter vs News Reporter?

AspectInvestigative ReporterNews Reporter
CredentialsJournalism degree, experience in investigative workJournalism degree, general reporting experience
Work EnvironmentResearch-heavy, often in offices or field investigationsOn-location, live reporting, newsroom
Employer & IndustryNews organizations, media outletsNews organizations, media outlets
Search & Comparison IntentInvestigative work, in-depth storiesBreaking news, daily reporting

Investigative reporters focus on in-depth research and uncovering hidden stories, often requiring specialized skills and longer-term projects. News reporters cover daily news events, providing timely updates. While both roles work within journalism and media industries, investigative reporters typically engage in more detailed, long-term investigations compared to the fast-paced nature of news reporting.

What qualifications do you need to be an Investigative Journalist?

Investigative journalists typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Strong research, writing, and interviewing skills are essential, along with proficiency in digital tools and ethical standards. Experience through internships or reporting work is often required to develop investigative skills.

What does an Investigative Reporter do?

An Investigative Reporter is a journalist who specializes in uncovering information that is often hidden from the public. They conduct in-depth research, analyze data, interview sources, and follow leads to expose wrongdoing, corruption, or significant social issues. Their work often takes weeks or months and can involve complex subjects such as government, business, or crime. The goal is to inform the public and hold powerful individuals or organizations accountable.

Is investigative journalism hard to get into?

Investigative journalism can be challenging to enter due to the need for strong research skills, persistence, and often a background in journalism or related fields. Entry-level positions may require building a portfolio of work and gaining experience through internships or reporting roles before advancing to investigative assignments.
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Investigative Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Reporter 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 $48,090 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Investigative Reporter

WOWK-TV

Las Vegas, NV

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

KLAS TV, the CBS affiliate in Las Vegas, Nevada is hiring an experienced Investigative Reporter to join their investigative unit. "The Channel 8 I-team," is a nationally recognized, award-winning team of journalists with a proven track record for producing in-depth, high-quality, innovative projects on-air and digital only. 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.

The successful candidate will be expected to find an investigative angle on daily coverage. These stories go beyond the basics of general assignment reporting and storytelling to uncover problems, hold those responsible accountable and press for solutions. In addition to regular daily reports, this reporter will also work on larger, long-term investigations and help cover breaking news as needed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Develop ideas for realistic, executable, timely and important investigations on a daily basis.
  • Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation.
  • Daily contributions to digital first/digital only content along with consistent daily social media engagement.
  • Produce accurate, complete and compelling news copy on deadline.
  • Quickly turn reports not just for television but also for digital streams and social media.
  • Possesses exceptional research skills.
  • Must be collaborative and willing to work with the entire team.
  • Excellent reading, writing, spelling, grammar and organizational skills
  • Superior on-air presence
  • Proficiency with computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, fax machines and other office equipment
  • Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Promotes teamwork and maintains attitude of cooperation with all station personnel
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record
  • Flexibility to work any shift, holidays and weekends

Requirements & Skills:

  • Candidates must have a resume and online link showing investigative work.
  • Candidates should know the basics of data analysis, public information requests and backgrounding. They must have a track record of enterprising story ideas and developing key sources.
  • Previous work must demonstrate compelling storytelling using dynamic live shots and stand-ups, creative graphics and daily use of digital and social media platforms.
  • Candidates must have a minimum of five years reporting experience, including at least two years of investigative reporting.
  • A bachelor's degree in journalism or related field preferred.
  • This is not an entry-level position.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The Investigative Reporter must be able to sit, conduct telephone conversations, use electronic mail, write letters and memos, conduct face-to-face discussions with individuals or groups, make decisions without supervision, make decisions that impact the results of co-workers, work in close proximity to others, work outdoors occasionally in all weather conditions, and work indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. In addition, the Investigative Reporter must be able to lift, set up and operate equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, and be able to handle, control or feel objects, tools or controls. Repetitive movements are required.

EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled

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