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Investigative Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Charleston, SC · On-site

We are looking for someone with a clear understanding of how to dig for a story, research it, write ... Identify and pitch investigative angles to big daily news stories * Work closely with Producer and ...

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How much do investigative researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 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 is the highest paid job in criminology?

The highest paid jobs in criminology often include senior roles such as criminal justice directors, forensic psychologists, or law enforcement executives, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, often working in government agencies or private consulting firms.

How much do investigative researchers make?

Investigative researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Higher salaries are common for those with specialized skills, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand sectors such as private investigation or corporate security.

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.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Investigative Researchers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, or ownership of a business. Salaries at this level are rare and generally involve leadership positions or highly specialized fields.

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 does an investigative researcher do?

An investigative researcher gathers, analyzes, and verifies information to support investigations or research projects. They often use public records, interviews, and online sources, and may work with tools like databases and research software to uncover facts and patterns relevant to their case or study.
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What cities are hiring for Investigative Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Investigative Researcher job openings:
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Investigative Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Researcher 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 $56,057 per year, or $27 per hour.
Investigative Reporter/Producer

Investigative Reporter/Producer

Hearst

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Hearst rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 67 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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