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Investigative Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

MANTECH

Investigative Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Leveraging investigative, analytic, and writing skills and experience to analyze large data sets thoroughly and efficiently to identify concerning behavior and non-obvious correlations * Performing ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Axtell, NE · On-site

Write online versions of investigative reports and work with Digital Investigative Producer on "web extra" content for each investigation * Maintain an active social media presence to build your ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$21.65 - $26.45/hr

Write online versions of investigative reports and work with Digital Investigative Producer on "web extra" content for each investigation * Maintain an active social media presence to build your ...

Digital Remedy

Investigative Reporter

Charleston, SC · On-site

Write online versions of investigative reports and work with Digital Investigative Producer on "web extra" content for each investigation * Maintain an active social media presence to build your ...

Longwell Partners

Investigative Journalist

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

You'll work closely with our communications team, but the writing starts with you. The ideal candidate has the research instincts of an investigator and the storytelling chops of a reporter. Your ...

ManTech

Investigative Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$165K - $295K/yr

Leveraging investigative, analytic, and writing skills and experience to analyze large data sets thoroughly and efficiently to identify concerning behavior and non-obvious correlations * Performing ...

Dolcefino Consulting

Be Seen First

Investigative Reporter

Houston, TX · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

INVESTIGATIVE MEDIA JOURNALIST Full-Time Position Location: 1951 Richmond, Houston, TX 77098 ... can write and prepare content for Dolcefino Media's social media news site. We are seeking a ...

ManTech International

Investigative Analyst

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$165K - $295K/yr

Leveraging investigative, analytic, and writing skills and experience to analyze large data sets thoroughly and efficiently to identify concerning behavior and non-obvious correlations * Performing ...

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How much do investigative writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for investigative writer in the United States is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $37.26 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.
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Investigative Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Writer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,401 per year, or $31 per hour.

Senior Writer, Investigations

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

Condé Nast
Print Media Publishing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Condé Nastexternal

$95K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Consistently break news and deliver scoops

  • Report and write at least four stories per month, primarily focused on differentiated investigative work

  • Pitch, report, and write stories using data, open source tools, or visual investigations

Job description

WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, we have been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation. We cover humanity's biggest challenges, from climate change to global security, from pandemic preparedness to the future of democracy, and tell stories of the people trying to solve these challenges and the role science and technology can play-for good or ill. WIRED reaches more than 30 million people each month through WIRED.com, our digital edition, the magazine, social media, and live events.Job Description

Location:

New York, NY

WIRED seeks a reporter who is adept at building and working with data sets and/or open source tools to break impactful stories in the worlds of technology, cybersecurity, science, and beyond.


In this role, you'll be expected to have both traditional reporting skills and technological chops. We're interested in people with a demonstrated facility in visual and open source investigations, data journalism, or some combination of those. Coding ability is a plus but not mandatory; our priority is someone who can find differentiated stories hiding in plain sight, whether that's from a data leak, a satellite image, or a trail of digital bread crumbs.

You should have a demonstrated ability not only to identify promising leads, but to report them out by both technological and traditional means. This dynamic position requires curiosity and creativity to produce at least four stories per month. While you'll be based on our security desk, you'll be encouraged to look for unique stories across all of WIRED's areas of coverage. An eagerness to work collaboratively with other WIRED reporters is a major plus.

The successful candidate must have extensive experience and a demonstrated portfolio of investigative work. They will also have the opportunity to work across-and should be comfortable with-a wide range of formats such as social, podcasts, video series, live events, etc.

This role reports to WIRED's Director of Science, Politics, and Security, and is part of a growing and increasingly global newsroom of smart, kind, nerdy, and well-informed colleagues who are always brimming with ideas and eager to help each other out. This role is in-office (4 days/week) and we are open to candidates in San Francisco and New York.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Consistently break news and deliver scoops

  • 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 investigations

  • Collaborate with other members of the security desk, and journalists from across the WIRED newsroom

  • Collaborate with audio, video, events, and social media teams as needed to develop ways of telling stories on other platforms

  • Work collaboratively with global markets on all relevant stories or packages

  • Additional projects/stories as assigned

Requirements:

  • At least 4 years experience as journalist with a track record of investigative data or OSINT reporting

  • A proven track record of scoops and the ability to consistently break news

  • Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage a constantly evolving workload and prioritize appropriately

  • A clear, engaging, jargon-free writing style

The expected base salary range for this position is from $95,000-$129,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.

This is a guild position.

What happens next?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile.

Conde Nast is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.

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