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Investigative Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

Investigative Reporter

Birmingham, AL · On-site

WVTM-TV , the NBC affiliate in Birmingham, Al is looking for a Investigative Reporter who can create story ideas, conduct informed interviews, develop sources, and build compelling live shots. You ...

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 ...

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

Birmingham, AL

WVTM-TV , the NBC affiliate in Birmingham, Al is looking for a Investigative Reporter who can create story ideas, conduct informed interviews, develop sources, and build compelling live shots. You ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Charleston, SC

WCIV seeks an enterprising and aggressive reporter to join our team of journalists. We are looking ... Identify and pitch investigative angles to big daily news stories * Work closely with Producer and ...

Hearst

Investigative Reporter

Birmingham, AL

WVTM-TV , the NBC affiliate in Birmingham, Al is looking for a Investigative Reporter who can create story ideas, conduct informed interviews, develop sources, and build compelling live shots. You ...

Hearst

Investigative Reporter

Birmingham, AL · On-site

WVTM-TV , the NBC affiliate in Birmingham, Al is looking for a Investigative Reporter who can create story ideas, conduct informed interviews, develop sources, and build compelling live shots. You ...

Hearst

Investigative Reporter

Birmingham, AL

WVTM-TV , the NBC affiliate in Birmingham, Al is looking for a Investigative Reporter who can create story ideas, conduct informed interviews, develop sources, and build compelling live shots. You ...

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Investigative Reporter information

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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.
More about Investigative Reporter jobs
What cities are hiring for Investigative Reporter jobs? Cities with the most Investigative Reporter job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Investigative Reporter jobs? The top employers for Investigative Reporter jobs are:
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:
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

Investigative Reporter

Hearst

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 67 rated media

Job description

WVTM-TV , the NBC affiliate in Birmingham, Al is looking for a Investigative Reporter who can create story ideas, conduct informed interviews, develop sources, and build compelling live shots. You will be a strong, take-charge reporter who hits the ground running every day. We value strong enterprise reporting and we're looking for someone who finds the stories that lead newscasts. In addition to credibility, poise, and personality, you are not afraid to head out into the field, ask the tough questions and break the big stories. You will be a versatile, enterprising self-starter who is fast, efficient, works well under tight deadlines, can develop sources, and has excellent live reporting skills. 

Responsibilities

  • Plan, gather and assemble stories on day-of news or special project assignments
  • Work with or without a photographer to gather and edit compelling video and captivating sound
  • Coordinate with news managers and producers to develop stories that go beyond surface details, that accentuate unique enterprise angles, and have exclusive content
  • Develop a network of sources who provide tips, early access to information, and allow the reporter to break stories of significance
  • Will contribute pictures, video and text updates to mobile platforms throughout the day
  • Work on different stories and projects at once and meeting all deadlines under extraordinary pressure.
  • Have and exhibit unwavering journalistic integrity and ethical standards

Requirements

  • Professional or college reporting experience
  • Experience with enterprise reporting and ability to uncover details
  • Your demo reel is indicative of your everyday work
  • Write clear, correct, compelling copy that supports images gathered
  • Operate mobile transmission devices and use latest technology
  • Can work in all weather conditions
  • Have and exhibit unwavering journalistic integrity and ethical standards
  • Have a valid driver's license and a clear driving record
  • Work varied shifts, including overnights and weekends
  • Can deal with the stresses and pressures of time-sensitive newscast production
  • 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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