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Investigative Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

News Channel 3, WREG-TV, Memphis (CBS affiliate) is hunting for an aggressive investigative reporter to join a team with a proven, highly recognized investigative brand. The successful applicant must ...

News Channel 3, WREG-TV, Memphis (CBS affiliate) is hunting for an aggressive investigative reporter to join a team with a proven, highly recognized investigative brand. The successful applicant must ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Investigative Reporter information

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$5

$23

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How much do investigative reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 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 do investigative journalists do?

Investigative journalists research, analyze, and uncover information on complex issues, often exposing corruption, fraud, or social injustices. They gather evidence through interviews, public records, and data analysis, and produce detailed reports for media outlets. Strong research skills, attention to detail, and ethical standards are essential in this role.

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 pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong research and interviewing skills, and becoming proficient with data analysis and reporting tools are essential steps in building a career in investigative journalism.

How much do investigative reporters get paid?

Investigative reporters' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, but the median annual wage in the journalism field is around $50,000 to $70,000. Experienced investigative journalists working for major outlets or in large markets can earn over $100,000 annually, especially if they have specialized skills and a strong portfolio.

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.

Can I be an Investigative Journalist without a degree?

Investigative journalism typically requires strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills, which can be developed through experience, internships, or self-education. While a degree in journalism or related fields is common and often preferred, some employers may hire candidates based on their portfolio, reporting skills, and work ethic without formal education. Practical experience and a demonstrated ability to uncover and verify information are crucial in this field.
What cities are hiring for Investigative Reporter jobs? Cities with the most Investigative Reporter job openings:
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What states have the most Investigative Reporter jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigative Reporter jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Investigative Reporter jobs? For Investigative Reporter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Investigative Reporter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,090 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Investigative Reporter/Producer

Investigative Reporter/Producer

Hearst

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 65 rated media


Job description

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 newsroom. This is a high-profile, enterprise role focused on uncovering consumer issues, exposing wrongdoing, holding institutions accountable, and producing compelling special projects that make a real difference in our community.

We are looking for a journalist who thrives on digging deeper, asking tough questions, and creating meaningful, promotable storytelling across broadcast, digital, streaming, and social platforms. The ideal candidate is equally strong as a reporter and producer - someone who can originate investigations, collaborate across departments, and help execute stories weekly from concept to completion.


This role requires a self-starter who can develop exclusive content, cultivate sources, manage multiple projects, and produce stories that lead newscasts and drive audience engagement. The right applicant should have a portfolio of journalism that leads to change, conversation, and community impact.

The Investigative Reporter / Producer will report to the Assistant News Director and work closely with newsroom leadership, producers, digital teams, and photojournalists.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and report original investigative and consumer-focused stories that uncover scams, systemic failures, public accountability concerns, and issues affecting viewers' daily lives 

  • Generate strong enterprise story ideas and pursue stories that go beyond surface-level reporting 
  • Conduct informed interviews, build trusted sources, and break exclusive stories 
  • Plan, gather, write, and assemble stories for daily news coverage and long-form investigative projects 
  • Respond to breaking news with investigative angles and deeper context 
  • Build compelling live shots and deliver clear, engaging storytelling on-air and across platforms 
  • Work independently or collaboratively with photographers to gather and edit compelling video and sound 
  • Pitch, research, write, and produce investigative specials and long-form storytelling initiatives 
  • Maintain and manage a calendar of special projects, follow-ups, and ongoing investigations 
  • Collaborate with newsroom leadership, producers, promotions, legal, and digital teams to maximize story impact and audience reach 
  • Review scripts, teases, and story elements to ensure strong editorial standards and compelling presentation 
  • Produce content for broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platforms 
  • Contribute real-time updates, explainers, and follow-ups across mobile and social channels 
  • Work closely with reporters, producers, photojournalists, and digital staff on investigative initiatives 
  • Communicate effectively across departments while managing multiple deadlines and priorities 
  • Demonstrate sound editorial judgment, strong ethics, and unwavering journalistic integrity 

Requirements

  • Professional reporting and/or producing experience 

  • Strong investigative, enterprise, and accountability journalism instincts 
  • Proven ability to develop original story ideas and uncover meaningful details 
  • A demo reel and/or digital portfolio that reflect everyday work and impactful storytelling 
  • Strong writing skills with the ability to simplify complex information into compelling, easy-to-understand content 
  • Knowledge of media law, public records requests, and investigative research techniques 
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines 
  • Experience using modern field technology, editing systems, and mobile workflows 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced newsroom environment 
  • Strong visual storytelling and creative presentation skills 
  • Ability to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed 
  • Valid driver's license and clear driving record 
  • Related military experience will be considered 

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That's why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.

Benefits

Hearst's benefit programs are modern, flexible and designed to focus on you. As a Hearst employee, you and your spouse or partner or dependents would have access to the following benefits.

  • Medical | Dental | Vision
  • 401(k) matching
  • Emotional Wellness Support
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • LGBTQ+ Health Services
  • Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs
Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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