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Investigative Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

Investigative Reporter/Producer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

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

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How much do investigative researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigative researcher in the United States is $56,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Investigative Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, critical thinking, attention to detail, and a background in research methods, often supported by a relevant degree in journalism, criminology, or social sciences. Familiarity with data analysis tools, online databases, public records systems, and sometimes certifications in investigative techniques are typical requirements. Exceptional written and verbal communication, persistence, and ethical integrity set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for uncovering accurate, reliable information and presenting findings clearly and responsibly.

What are some common challenges faced by Investigative Researchers when gathering and verifying information?

Investigative Researchers often encounter challenges such as accessing reliable sources, dealing with incomplete or conflicting information, and ensuring data accuracy under tight deadlines. Navigating privacy laws and ethical considerations can also be complex, especially when handling sensitive topics. Successful researchers develop strong critical thinking skills, persistence, and effective networking abilities to overcome these obstacles and deliver credible, well-substantiated findings.

What does an investigative researcher do?

An investigative researcher is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and verifying information to uncover facts, often for media organizations, legal cases, or private investigations. Their work typically involves conducting interviews, searching public records, analyzing data, and compiling detailed reports on their findings. Investigative researchers may focus on topics such as fraud, corruption, or background checks and must ensure accuracy and ethical standards in their work. They often collaborate with journalists, attorneys, or organizations to support investigations and contribute to decision-making processes.

What is an investigative researcher?

An investigative researcher is a professional who gathers, analyzes, and verifies information to uncover facts related to specific cases or topics. They often use tools like public records, interviews, and online databases, and may work in fields such as journalism, private investigation, or security analysis.

What is the difference between Investigative Researcher vs Forensic Analyst?

AspectInvestigative ResearcherForensic Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in criminal justice, research, or related fieldDegree in forensic science, criminal justice, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, government agencies, private investigation firmsCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in investigative agencies, private firms, intelligencePrimarily in law enforcement, forensic labs, legal cases
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in investigationsUnderstanding forensic analysis in criminal cases

Investigative Researchers focus on gathering and analyzing information for investigations, often working in research or intelligence settings. Forensic Analysts specialize in analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes in labs. While both roles support criminal investigations, Investigative Researchers emphasize information collection, whereas Forensic Analysts focus on scientific evidence analysis.

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What cities are hiring for Investigative Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Investigative Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Investigative Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Investigative Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Investigative Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigative Researcher jobs include:
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Investigative Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,057 per year, or $27 per hour.

Investigative Reporter/Producer

Hearst Newspapers

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

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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