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Investigative Reporter Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter/Anchor

Bristol, VA

$18.70 - $22/hr

Investigative Reporter/Anchor WCYB/WEMT is seeking an experienced, enterprising, and relentless Investigative Reporter/Anchor to join our award-winning news team. We are looking for a journalist who ...

Bloomberg Industry Group

Data Reporter

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

... to investigative reporting on the news of the day. The key skills we are looking for in this ... reporters, editors and ultimately readers. You know data is the start of the story, not the story ...

Bloomberg Industry Group

Data Reporter

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

... to investigative reporting on the news of the day. The key skills we are looking for in this ... reporters, editors and ultimately readers. You know data is the start of the story, not the story ...

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Investigative Reporter information

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How much do investigative reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative reporter in Virginia is $22.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $27.88 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.

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 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.
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Investigative Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Reporter job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,677 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Investigative Reporter/Producer (VB, Norfolk, Portsmouth)

Nexstar Media Group

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Nexstar Media Group rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 76 rated media

Job description

Investigative Reporter/Producer (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth)
WAVY-TV 10 / WVBT FOX 43 is searching for an INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER/PRODUCER who is driven to research, write and produce hard investigative enterprise stories. You will be required to work within a team of reporters, photographers, and managers to cultivate sources, dig up source material from scratch, and organize several stories in various stages of development simultaneously. This role will be a major part of the station's online success with your story posts to WAVY.com.
Several years of experience as an investigative reporter/producer delivering enterprise stories from pitch to air is a must.
A history of on-air work at a commercial television station is required. The ideal candidate will also know how to acquire relevant public records by searching court databases and filing FOIA requests. The successful candidate will be relentless in the pursuit of the truth. You must have a proven track record of strong journalistic skills and supreme ethical standards.
We're looking for someone who understands how to be professional and fair in investigative newsgathering techniques, and who knows how to take advantage of all resources available to a free press. We believe in the IRE mission of fostering excellence in investigative journalism and protecting the rights of investigative journalists.
Overnights, nights and weekends may be required; candidate must be willing and able to work any and all shifts, including holidays.
To be considered for this job you must apply online at:
https://nexstar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/nexstar
Please remember to include a link to your demo reel in your cover letter or resume (required).
COMPENSATION RANGE:
Annual Salary $62,000 - $72,000 - commensurate with experience
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
A career path to grow your professional experiences
Full medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits
Retirement savings plan with company match
Other key company benefits include disability accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life insurance, AD&D, ID protection, and employee assistance program. More details about timing and conditions of benefits eligibility and other plan terms and conditions will be provided upon hire.
No telecommuting
No calls
EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability
#LI-Onsite

What Nexstar Media Group employees say

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Benefits

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About Nexstar Media Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is the largest local broadcast television group in the United States and one of the world’s leading diversified media companies. In June 2023, Nexstar marked 27 years of excellence in local programming and service since Perry A. Sook founded the company. Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to 200 broadcast stations (including partner stations) and their related low power and digital multicast signals reaching 116 markets or more than 68% of all U.S. television households. Coupled with a growing portfolio of digital media marketing, advertising and content management platforms, Nexstar delivers powerful and innovative digital solutions and services to local and national media companies, advertisers, agencies and brands.

Industry

Broadcasting

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1996

Social media

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