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Investigative Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

Investigative Reporter

Houston, TX · On-site

The Houston Chronicle is looking to hire an investigative reporter to join our award-winning investigations team, the largest team of its kind in Texas. This is a chance for an ambitious ...

Hearst

Investigative Reporter/Producer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Investigative Reporter / Producer WTAE-TV, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, is looking for an Investigative Reporter / Producer who can lead impactful investigative journalism in an award-winning ...

Hearst Newspapers

Investigative Reporter

Houston, TX · On-site

The Houston Chronicle is looking to hire an investigative reporter to join our award-winning investigations team, the largest team of its kind in Texas. This is a chance for an ambitious ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Portland, ME · On-site

WGME 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 ...

Hearst

Investigative Reporter

Houston, TX

The Houston Chronicle is looking to hire an investigative reporter to join our award-winning investigations team, the largest team of its kind in Texas. This is a chance for an ambitious ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Columbus, OH · On-site

We're looking for a reporter with strong investigative instincts, a compassionate approach, and the creativity to turn real-world viewer concerns into compelling storytelling. This is a role for ...

Hearst

Investigative Reporter

Houston, TX

The Houston Chronicle is looking to hire an investigative reporter to join our award-winning investigations team, the largest team of its kind in Texas. This is a chance for an ambitious ...

Hearst

Investigative Reporter

Houston, TX · On-site

The Houston Chronicle is looking to hire an investigative reporter to join our award-winning investigations team, the largest team of its kind in Texas. This is a chance for an ambitious ...

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How much do investigative reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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.

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 the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,090 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Investigative Reporter

Sinclair Broadcast Group

Axtell, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Sinclair Broadcast Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 65 rated media

Job description

Job Description
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 it, write it with an edge, and use strong storytelling and TV production to make it impactful and memorable. The ideal candidate is an aggressive reporter with deep curiosity and unrelenting commitment to get to the bottom of an issue and hold individuals accountable.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and maintain contacts and sources in the community to enterprise story ideas
  • Identify and pitch investigative angles to big daily news stories
  • Work closely with Producer and Executive Producer to refine investigative pitches and story scripts
  • Develop a network of sources and experts to generate investigative stories on a regular basis
  • Write online versions of investigative reports and work with Digital Investigative Producer on "web extra" content for each investigation
  • Maintain an active social media presence to build your brand and solicit original story ideas
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • Must be able to develop and maintain sources
  • Dynamic live television and storytelling skills are a must
  • Strong social media skillset for both research and promoting stories as well as gathering viewer input
  • Knowledge of the FOAI (Freedom of Information Act) process, computer-assisted reporting, and data-driven reporting along with familiarity of legal issues related to investigative television news reporting are essential
  • Strong writing skills and knowledge of current events
  • (insert years of experience needed) of investigative reporting experience preferred
  • History of award-winning investigative journalism preferred

While applying please provide an online portfolio / reel link for review.
EEO AND INCLUSIVITY:
Sinclair is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
About Us
Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates, and/or provides services to 178 television stations in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks; owns Tennis Channel, the premium destination for tennis enthusiasts; multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, and The Nest. Sinclair's AMP Media produces a growing portfolio of digital content and original podcasts. Additional information about Sinclair can be found at www.sbgi.net.
About the Team
The life-blood of our organization is our people. We have a compelling story, a goal-oriented culture, and we take really good care of people. How good? Here is a glimpse: great benefits, open door policy, upward mobility and a strong desire to see you succeed. Ready to be part of a winning team? Let's talk.

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