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Investigative Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Investigative Writer information

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How much do investigative writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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.

Are investigative journalists in demand?

Investigative journalists are in demand in media organizations, non-profits, and government agencies that value in-depth reporting and research skills. The field requires strong writing, research, and analytical abilities, with job opportunities often influenced by the media industry’s economic health and public interest in investigative stories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Investigative Writer position, and why are they important?

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 to become an investigative writer?

To become an investigative writer, develop strong research and writing skills, often through a degree in journalism, communications, or related fields. Gaining experience with investigative techniques, fact-checking, and building a portfolio of published work can help establish credibility in the field.

What does an investigative writer do?

An investigative writer researches, gathers, and analyzes information to uncover facts and present in-depth reports or stories. They often conduct interviews, verify sources, and use critical thinking skills to produce accurate and compelling content, typically working under tight deadlines and requiring strong writing and research abilities.

Is 30 too late to get into journalism?

Investigative writers and journalists can start at any age, as the profession values experience, critical thinking, and strong research skills. Many successful journalists begin their careers later in life, and acquiring relevant skills through courses or internships can help transition into the field regardless of age.

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.

More about Investigative Writer jobs
What cities are hiring for Investigative Writer jobs? Cities with the most Investigative Writer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Investigative Writer jobs? The most popular types of Investigative Writer jobs are:
What states have the most Investigative Writer jobs? States with the most job openings for Investigative Writer jobs include:

$57K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

WHAT IS THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION (CI) DIVISION?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-07: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: a working knowledge and experience with sources and types of informational databases available to the law enforcement community; experience using fundamental analytical and research techniques sufficient to collect and evaluate relevant data and perform computations and analyses; experience using written communication techniques sufficient to clearly and concisely summarize data from various sources; and experience using graphs, charts, spreadsheets, and computer print outs to interpret data.
OR
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: 1 full academic year of graduate education in a related field of study; OR Superior Academic Achievement. Superior Academic Achievement may be met by having a bachelor's degree, with one of the following: A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last 2 years of study, or a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all courses in your major field of study or those courses in your major completed in the last 2 years of study, or rank in the upper one third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision, or membership in a national honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION At least 1 year of combined graduate education and experience as defined in paragraphs above.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-09: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: experience researching various informational databases to collect relevant data and other facts; experience investigating criminal violations and relevant legal and policy constraints; experience following disclosure requirements to ensure proper use of confidential information; experience using analytical and research techniques to identify and evaluate large amounts of data obtained from various sources and in preparing segments of reports; utilizing oral and written communication techniques to clearly and effectively communicate with individuals of all levels; experience in using graphs, charts, spreadsheets, and computer print outs to interpret data; and providing significant research, data, analysis and/or report(s) that caused an initiation of a criminal investigation case(s) and/or contributed to the development/completion of a criminal investigation case(s).
OR
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: master's or equivalent degree or 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in a related field of study from an accredited college or university. OR an LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION At least 1 year of combined graduate education and experience as defined in paragraphs above.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-11: You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: experience researching various informational databases to collect relevant data and other facts and performing complex computations and analyses concerning data collected; experience investigating criminal violations and relevant legal and policy constraints; experience researching pertinent regulations and policy governing criminal investigation operations to relate investigative subject matter to intelligence needs; experience following disclosure requirements to ensure proper use of confidential information; experience using analytical, evaluative and research techniques to identify and evaluate large amounts of data obtained from various sources and preparing and disseminating finished reports; experience utilizing oral and written communication techniques to clearly and effectively communicate with individuals of all levels; experience in using graphs, charts, spreadsheets, and computer print outs to interpret data; and experience providing significant research, data, analysis and/or report(s) that caused an initiation of a criminal investigation case(s) and/or contributed to the development/completion of a criminal investigation case(s).
OR
You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field of study;
OR
3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree in a related field of study; OR LL.M., if related.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION At least 1 year of combined graduate education and experience as defined in paragraphs above.
AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): Current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens".
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-5, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03, or 04 positions.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER