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Investigative Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Saybrook University

FWS Writing Coach

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

$20/hr

Under the direction of the Writing Services Manager, the Writing Coach is responsible for providing one-on-one coaching to help students develop their writing skills. Position responsibilities ...

Condé Nast

Senior Writer, Investigations

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $129K/yr

Report and write at least four stories per month, primarily focused on differentiated investigative ... work * Pitch, report, and write stories, with a focus on using data, open source tools, or visual ...

ALSO

Technical Writer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Detail-oriented, systematic, and investigative writing process, with the ability to learn complex technical products quickly from subject matter experts and translate them into audience-relevant ...

Adecco

Technical Writer

Carlsbad, CA

$33/hr

Prepare detailed investigation reports and root cause analyses in accordance with established ... Write clear, accurate, thorough, and compliant investigation documentation. * Ensure all ...

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Investigative Writer information

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How much do investigative writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative writer in California is $30.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $36.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an investigative writer do?

An Investigative Writer researches, analyzes, and reports on complex topics, uncovering hidden details, patterns, or misconduct. They often work in journalism, law, or advocacy, relying on interviews, public records, and data analysis to build compelling narratives. Their work may expose corruption, highlight social issues, or provide in-depth insights into current events. Strong investigative skills, persistence, and ethical reporting are essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an investigative writer?

To thrive as an Investigative Writer, you need strong research skills, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a solid background in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, online research tools, FOIA requests, and ethics in reporting is often expected. Strong communication, persistence, curiosity, and the ability to build trust with sources are key soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate, impactful stories while navigating complex subjects and sensitive information.

What are the typical challenges an investigative writer might face on the job?

Investigative Writers often face challenges such as verifying complex or hidden information, managing deadlines for lengthy research projects, and overcoming reluctance from potential sources. The work frequently involves sifting through large volumes of data, documents, or interviews to uncover facts that are not immediately obvious. Team collaboration with editors, legal experts, and sometimes subject matter specialists is common to ensure stories are accurate and ethically sound. Successful writers develop strategies for maintaining objectivity and resilience, especially when confronted with sensitive or high-stakes material.

How do you become an investigative writer?

To become an investigative writer, you typically need strong research and writing skills, often gained through a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio of investigative work, and developing skills in data analysis and interviewing are important steps in entering this profession.

What are the most commonly searched types of Investigative Writer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Investigative Writer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Investigative Writer jobs in California?

For Investigative Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Investigative Writer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Investigative Writer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Investigative Writer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Investigative Writer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Investigative Writer jobs in CA?

For Investigative Writer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Investigative Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

FWS Writing Coach

Pasadena, CA • On-site, Remote

Saybrook University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Saybrook Universityexternal

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
Saybrook University is seeking a FWS Writing Coach to join Writing Services.
Under the direction of the Writing Services Manager, the Writing Coach is responsible for providing one-on-one coaching to help students develop their writing skills.
Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Providing one-on-one coaching support
  • Creating supporting documents and materials
  • Writing reports about completed sessions
  • Coordinating a time with students at least 2 days before the session
  • Participation in weekly team meetings with writing services staff
  • Completing onboarding training module(s) and engage in ongoing professional development
  • On occasion, writing coaches may help facilitate breakout rooms during events hosted by Writing Services. Writing coaches may collaborate with full-time staff to plan and organize writing events if desired.

This position will use technology such as e-mail, peer-to-peer video platforms, and learning management systems to facilitate and prepare for writing coach appointments. Writing coaches will answer phone calls, respond to e-mails, and perform other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher.
  • Must be an actively enrolled Saybrook student and eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS).
  • Writing Coaches must have competent college-level reading comprehension and writing skills.
  • Writing Coaches must remain in good academic standing with Saybrook University throughout their employment.
  • Commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week of work.

Position Qualifications:
  • Prior experience tutoring or teaching.
  • Prior experience working with students remotely.
  • Prior experience facilitating online workshops or seminars.

Physical Requirements:
The position requires regular access to the internet to check and respond to e-mails and collaborate on documents in the cloud. The position also requires regular use of video conferencing platforms such as Zoom to hold appointments and communicate with other members of the team.
Writing Services requests that writing coaches locate themselves in an area with minimal background noise and have stable internet connections to promote a positive experience.
Saybrook University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Saybrook University:
Saybrook University was founded over 50 years ago by some of the greatest minds of the 20th century and continues to inspire a new generation of innovators. A non-profit, regionally accredited university known for its commitment to humanistic studies and rigorous research, Saybrook University's academic model puts the student at the center of everything we do to provide a unique, transformational learning experience. Saybrook offers advanced degrees in organizational systems, psychology, mind-body medicine, and counseling, all in flexible learning formats to help students continue to be active contributors to the fields they work in while they advance their education. Saybrook University is proud to be a community of creative, compassionate innovators dedicated to pursuing new ways of thinking and doing for our professions, organizations, and communities.
For more information, visit www.saybrook.edu.
Compensation
This opportunity is budgeted at $20.00 base compensation.
Saybrook University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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