ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Investigative Reporter Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

PitchBook Data

Sr. Reporter, Venture Capital

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

This reporter will be a lead contributor to PitchBook's soon-to-be-launched VC newsletter. PitchBook News is a growing team of writers and editors who produce compelling journalism with original ...

Cox Media Group

Reporter - KIRO TV

Seattle, WA · On-site

$41/hr

Reporter - KIRO TV Position Overview The Reporter for KIRO TV Seattle is a seasoned journalist who ... The ability to engage in investigative reporting that adds depth to the newscast * Thorough ...

Cox Media Group

Reporter - KIRO TV

Seattle, WA · On-site

$41/hr

Reporter - KIRO TV Position Overview The Reporter for KIRO TV Seattle is a seasoned journalist who ... The ability to engage in investigative reporting that adds depth to the newscast * Thorough ...

Cox Media Group

Reporter - KIRO TV

Seattle, WA · On-site

$41/hr

Reporter - KIRO TV Position Overview The Reporter for KIRO TV Seattle is a seasoned journalist who ... The ability to engage in investigative reporting that adds depth to the newscast * Thorough ...

KTVU Fox 2

Executive Producer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Work with primary hosts, contributing reporters, and other newsroom journalists to plan content and ... investigative reporting, court systems, and government agencies. Strong digital footprint and ...

Fox

Executive Producer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Work with primary hosts, contributing reporters, and other newsroom journalists to plan content and ... investigative reporting, court systems, and government agencies. Strong digital footprint and ...

City of Everett

Assistant City Attorney I / II

Everett, WA · On-site

$8.2K - $13K/mo

Investigate claims and complaints by or against the city and recommend action to be taken. Prepare ... reporters, state, federal and local laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. Assist in pre-trial ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInvestigative Reporter JobsInvestigative Reporter Jobs in Seattle, WA

Investigative Reporter information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$6

$26

$34

How much do investigative reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative reporter in Seattle, WA is $26.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.77 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

How much money does an investigative reporter make?

Investigative reporters typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, though this can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the media organization. Experienced investigative journalists working for major outlets or in large markets can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 with additional benefits.

What degree is best for investigative reporter?

A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is typically preferred for investigative reporters. Strong research, writing skills, and familiarity with digital tools are also important for success in this role.
More about Investigative Reporter jobs

What are popular job titles related to Investigative Reporter jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Investigative Reporter jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Investigative Reporter jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Investigative Reporter job openings:

Investigative Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Reporter job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,728 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Reporter/Senior Reporter, The Transmitter

simons foundation

Seattle, WA

$83K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Transmitter offers news and analysis of the field of neuroscience and is dedicated to helping scientists at all career stages stay current and build connections.

Our award-winning news team is looking for an enthusiastic trade journalist to join our
lively newsroom in New York City. This is an excellent opportunity for a science journalist
to develop a beat in the fast-moving field of neuroscience.

The reporter/senior reporter will write news and feature articles that educate, challenge
and inspire our audience of neuroscientists. The reporter will cultivate sources, embed in
the research community and be the first to know about trends and provocative advances
in basic neuroscience research. A background or strong interest in neuroscience,
cognition and behavior is essential.

The Transmitter is funded by the Simons Foundation but is editorially independent. This
is a full-time position based in the Simons Foundation offices in New York City.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES


Pitch, report and write news and in-depth enterprise stories, profiles and long-form
features that educate, challenge and inspire our audience of neuroscientists
Monitor the latest research, news and trends in basic neuroscience
Cultivate a deep network of sources, embed yourself in the research community,
and be the first to know about trends and provocative advances
Work with our art director to develop art ideas for stories
Travel occasionally to attend and report from scientific meetings and conferences.
Perform other writing duties or tasks as assigned or required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education


Bachelor's degree required, preferably in a scientific discipline (neuroscience
preferred)
Graduate journalism coursework preferred
Experience
At least three to five years of journalism experience (not including internships),
along with a solid background in biology (neuroscience preferred) and impeccable
news judgment

Related Skills & Other Requirements
Must be passionate about The Transmitter's coverage area of basic neuroscience
research
Must have exceptional communication and grammar skills (written and verbal)
Must be familiar with and adhere to journalistic ethics
Must be able to write clearly and accurately under tight deadlines
Affinity for trade journalism and The Transmitter's mission
Keen sense of news
Strong work ethic
Attention to detail
Social-media skills

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS


Resume
Cover letter stating your interest in the position
Five journalistic writing clips that demonstrate your skill in news and feature
reporting and writing

COMPENSATION


The full-time annual compensation range for the Reporter level is
$83,000-$90,000, depending on experience.
The full-time annual compensation range for the Senior Reporter level is $109,000-
$115,000, depending on experience.
In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees
with an outstanding benefits package.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.

Apply