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Science Journalism Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sralab

Senior Scientific Writer - CBM Lab

Chicago, IL · On-site

$71K - $124K/yr

You'll play a role in something that's never been done before as we integrate science and clinical ... journalism, or English with successful completion of advanced high school or college math, physics ...

Morningstar, Inc.

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

You will work closely with data journalists, editors, product managers, and other engineers to ... A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field * 3+ years of professional ...

Logical Information Machines

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$89K - $131K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

You will work closely with data journalists, editors, product managers, and other engineers to ... A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field * 3+ years of professional ...

Fox

Political Reporter

Chicago, IL

$60 - $72/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or related field * 3-5+ years of reporting experience, preferably covering politics * Strong understanding of local, state, and ...

Kdfw Fox 4

Political Reporter

Chicago, IL

$60 - $72/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or related field * 3-5+ years of reporting experience, preferably covering politics * Strong understanding of local, state, and ...

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All JobsScience Journalism JobsScience Journalism Jobs in Chicago, IL

Science Journalism information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$44.8K

How much do science journalism jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for science journalism in Chicago, IL is $43,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $43,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is science journalism?

Science journalism is a field of reporting that focuses on communicating scientific discoveries, research, and issues to the general public in an accessible and engaging way. Science journalists investigate and write about topics such as health, environment, technology, and space, often translating complex scientific concepts into language that non-experts can understand. Their work is crucial in helping society stay informed about scientific advances and debates, shaping public understanding and policy. Science journalists may work for newspapers, magazines, online outlets, broadcast media, or as freelancers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science journalist?

To thrive as a Science Journalist, you need a solid background in science or journalism, excellent research skills, and the ability to translate complex scientific topics for general audiences. Familiarity with digital publishing tools, fact-checking systems, and multimedia platforms is often required. Curiosity, critical thinking, and strong storytelling abilities help you create engaging and accurate content. These skills are essential for effectively communicating scientific developments and building trust with readers.

What are some common challenges science journalists face when translating complex scientific concepts for a general audience?

Science journalists often encounter the challenge of making technical or specialized research accessible and engaging for non-expert readers. This requires simplifying terminology without sacrificing accuracy, and finding compelling narratives that illustrate the broader impact of scientific discoveries. Additionally, journalists must verify their sources and maintain objectivity, especially when covering emerging or controversial topics. Balancing deadlines with the need for careful research and expert interviews is also a regular part of the job.

What is the difference between Science Journalism vs Science Communication?

AspectScience JournalismScience Communication
Required CredentialsDegree in journalism, science, or related fieldsDegree in science, communication, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, newspapers, online platformsResearch institutions, science centers, public outreach
Employer & Industry UsageMedia, publishing, online newsAcademic, government agencies, science organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Science Journalism focuses on reporting scientific news to the public through media outlets, emphasizing storytelling and timely updates. Science Communication involves explaining scientific concepts to diverse audiences, often within research institutions or public engagement settings. While both roles require strong communication skills, their work environments and target audiences differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Journalism jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Science Journalism jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Science Journalism jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Science Journalism jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Science Journalism jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Science Journalism jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Science Journalism jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Science Journalism job openings:

Science Journalism jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Journalism job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 84% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,795 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

WTTW Minow Fellowship in Journalism Excellence (paid)

WFMT

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The WTTW Minow Fellowship in Journalism Excellence offers a recent graduate the opportunity for hands-on work in research, writing, reporting and producing for WTTW News, wttw.com/news and the Chicago Tonight television program.
WTTW News is a premier public media source for Chicago news focusing specifically on politics, public safety, education, business, culture, science/technology and health coverage among other areas. WTTW News includes television (Chicago Tonight, Chicago Week in Review), digital (wttw.com/news), and social platforms, and newsletters. Chicago Tonight is a nightly public affairs program that airs on WTTW, Chicago's PBS station.
DESCRIPTION:
The WTTW Minow Fellowship in Journalism Excellence is a full-time, competitive, year-long fellowship that runs from September 2026 - August 2027. The fellow will be paid $20 an hour and work a 40-hour workweek.
The fellow will be exposed to a full range of editorial duties at WTTW News. Opportunities could include: [REARRANGED THE ORDER OF THIS SENTENCE] producing segments (identifying guests, conducting pre-interviews, cutting video dropins); research; and working with correspondents, hosts, and other producers; field producing (setting up and shooting interviews and broll); original reporting for the website; the creation of interactive features using traditional and new media storytelling elements; other duties as assigned.
APPLICATIONS:
Include a cover letter on why you want to be a Minow Fellow and how you think you could contribute to WTTW News. Please include specifics about the kind of work you want to pursue and how it would fit in with the work we are doing.
Applicants must also submit a resume.
Window to the World Communications, Inc., the parent organization of WTTW and WFMT, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply