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Politics Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Reporter

Arlington, VA

$28.25 - $38.25/hr

POLITICO is seeking an enterprising reporter to cover the politics and policy of transportation and infrastructure, from planes, trains, shipping and bridges to the rising world of drones, air taxis ...

The reporter would be responsible for writing several original web stories per week and produce in ... politics, finance, law, entertainment and other areas of the business world. The ability to break ...

Reporter

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site +1

$80K - $90K/yr

The reporter would be responsible for writing several original web stories per week and produce in ... politics, finance, law, entertainment and other areas of the business world. The ability to break ...

County Politics & Business Reporter Tell the Stories That Matter Most to Midland, Michigan Your work can make a real difference at the Midland Daily News. In a smaller market, local journalism is ...

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

White House Reporter

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$137K - $228K/yr

The ideal candidate is a deft reporter and a fast, clean writer with a sophisticated understanding of politics and policy. They will be skilled at cultivating high-level sources, navigating complex ...

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Health Policy Reporter

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Punchbowl News is a news content company focused on power, people, and politics in Washington. We are seeking a Health Policy Reporter to join our growing team. Punchbowl News' primary focus is ...

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

Reporters cover a wide range of beats, including city and county government, politics, community events, education, business, trade, weather, entertainment, crime, courts, sports and more.

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Politics Reporter information

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$12

$27

$37

How much do politics reporter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for politics reporter in the United States is $27.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What degree do you need to be a political journalist?

A political journalist typically holds a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science, communications, or a related field. Strong writing, research skills, and knowledge of current events are essential, and some positions may prefer or require a master's degree or specialized training.

What jobs can you get with political communications?

A politics reporter with skills in journalism, research, and communication can pursue roles such as political analyst, public relations specialist, government affairs coordinator, policy advisor, or communications director. These positions often require strong writing, media skills, and understanding of political processes and can be found in media outlets, government agencies, advocacy groups, and consulting firms.

What is the difference between Politics Reporter vs Political Journalist?

AspectPolitics ReporterPolitical Journalist
CredentialsJournalism degree, reporting experienceJournalism degree, reporting experience
Work EnvironmentNews outlets, newspapers, TV stationsNews outlets, magazines, online platforms
Industry UsageCommonly used in media and news organizationsOften used interchangeably, with a focus on political content
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, job requirementsClarifying job scope, career paths

Both Politics Reporters and Political Journalists typically have journalism backgrounds and work in media outlets covering political news. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Politics Reporter' emphasizes the reporting role, often in daily news, while 'Political Journalist' may include broader analysis and feature writing. Both roles are essential in delivering political news to the public and share similar credentials and work environments.

How does a Politics Reporter typically collaborate with editors and other newsroom staff?

Politics Reporters regularly work closely with editors to shape story angles, verify facts, and meet deadlines. They also coordinate with photographers, graphic designers, and digital teams to enrich coverage and ensure stories are visually engaging and accurate. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities can shift quickly in response to breaking news or political developments. This collaborative environment helps maintain high journalistic standards and timely publication of political news.

What does a Politics Reporter do?

A Politics Reporter covers news and developments in the political sphere, including government actions, elections, policy debates, and political events. They investigate stories, interview sources, attend press conferences, and write articles or produce multimedia content for newspapers, websites, television, or radio. Their work helps inform the public about important political issues and hold public officials accountable. Politics Reporters must have a strong understanding of political systems, current events, and journalistic ethics. They often work under tight deadlines and may need to travel to cover significant events.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior editors, media executives, and top-level reporters like political correspondents can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions often require extensive experience, strong industry networks, and advanced skills in journalism, communication, or management.

How much do political news reporters make?

Political news reporters typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the media organization. Experienced reporters or those working for major outlets can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Politics Reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Politics Reporter, you need strong research abilities, news judgment, and a background in journalism or political science. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and data analysis tools is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and the ability to build sources are standout soft skills in this position. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate, timely, and insightful coverage in a fast-paced and high-stakes news environment.
More about Politics Reporter jobs
What states have the most Politics Reporter jobs? States with the most job openings for Politics Reporter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Politics Reporter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,041 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Political Enterprise Reporter

Political Enterprise Reporter

The Washington Post

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$137K - $228K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Join the future of news
We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.
About Our Team
The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.
Why This Role Matters
The Washington Post is seeking an aggressive, investigative-minded reporter to cover politics, someone who can report authoritatively and write the definitive stories of our political era.
This is a high-profile role for an experienced and versatile reporter. The political enterprise reporter will be tasked with writing agenda-setting profiles of major political figures, with a focus on vetting backgrounds to unearth scoops and write rich narratives. They will also be responsible for digging into the consequences of politics, reporting on how decisions made in Washington have shaped our culture and shaped the lives of people throughout country.
The ideal candidate combines deep reporting experience with a strong narrative voice, capable of delivering both high-level accountability reporting and immersive, scene-driven storytelling.
This position is based in our Washington, D.C. newsroom.
What Motivates You:
  • You thrive on accountability reporting and following twisting narratives.

  • You are just as comfortable roaming the White House and halls of Congress as you are visiting a small town to exhaustively report on the consequences of political decisions.

  • You excel in fast-moving, high-stakes environments and are eager to take on complex stories at the heart of politics.

  • You are curious about power - how it operates in Washington and across the country.

  • You are competitive and eager to break news on a high-stakes beat.

  • You're excited to experiment with a variety of storytelling formats.

How You'll Support the Mission:
  • Pitch and execute distinctive coverage of political figures and the impacts of policy and administrative decisions.

  • Produce ambitious news, analysis and enterprise stories grounded in original reporting and fresh insight.

  • Cultivate and maintain high-level sources across the political spectrum.

  • Chronicle internal debates, policy decisions and political strategy, illuminating their real-world consequences.

  • Track emerging trends in politics, helping shape coverage that anticipates how the country is shifting.

  • Collaborate with data reporters, visual teams and editors to produce impactful, multi-format storytelling.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:
  • A track record of breaking news and producing impactful enterprise reporting on politics, business, investigations or related fields.

  • Expert-level source-building skills and comfort covering powerful institutions.

  • Experience working with data, public records and financial disclosures.

  • Demonstrated ability to explain complex systems clearly and accurately.

  • A honed instinct for accountability stories and uncovering hidden dynamics.

  • A collaborative mindset and experience working across teams to elevate coverage.

Interested candidates should upload a rรฉsumรฉ, cover letter and three examples of their work (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by May 12 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Senior Editor for Political Investigations Patrick Caldwell, Deputy Politics & Government Editor Emily Rauhala and Politics & Government Editor Nick Baumann.
The salary range for this position is$137,300 - $228,900. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.
Collaboration makes us stronger. That's why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.
Compensation and Benefits
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
  • Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
  • Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
  • Nine paid holidays and two personal days
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
  • Robust mental health resources
  • Backup care and caregiver concierge services
  • Gender affirming services
  • Pet insurance
  • Free Post digital subscription
  • Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
Your story awaits. Apply today!
Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.