ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

State Government Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Reporter

Erie, PA

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

This is not a traditional government reporting role. We're looking for a reporter who understands ... Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and minimum state-required auto insurance. About ...

gannett

Reporter

Erie, PA · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

This is not a traditional government reporting role. We're looking for a reporter who understands ... Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and minimum state-required auto insurance. About ...

Advance Local Media

Reporter - Huntsville

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46K - $57K/yr

Delivering daily, audience-focused reporting on Huntsville, Alabama, the state's largest city and a ... Covering the issues that matter most to residents, including government accountability, growth and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsGovernment JobsJudicial Services JobsState Government Reporter Jobs

State Government Reporter information

See salary details

$15K

$42.4K

$77.5K

How much do state government reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for state government reporter in the United States is $42,378.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $49,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a state government reporter do?

A State Government Reporter is a journalist who covers news related to state governments, including legislative sessions, policy changes, elections, and actions of state officials. They investigate and report on topics such as new laws, political developments, budgets, and how state decisions impact citizens. These reporters often work for newspapers, online media, or broadcast outlets, providing the public with factual and timely information about state governance. Their work may involve attending government meetings, conducting interviews, analyzing documents, and explaining complex policy issues to the general public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a state government reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Government Reporter, you need strong investigative reporting skills, knowledge of government processes, and typically a degree in journalism or a related field. Familiarity with digital content management systems, data analysis tools, and public records databases is important for gathering and presenting information. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and the ability to build trustworthy sources help reporters stand out in this field. These skills ensure accurate, timely, and impactful coverage of state government affairs that informs and engages the public.

What are some common challenges faced by state government reporters, and how can they be navigated effectively?

State Government Reporters often face challenges such as gaining timely access to information, navigating complex legislative processes, and building trust with sources who may be cautious or politically motivated. To overcome these hurdles, reporters should develop strong relationships with public officials and staff, stay organized to track fast-moving legislative sessions, and cultivate persistence in pursuing public records. Collaboration with colleagues covering related beats can also help in cross-verifying facts and providing comprehensive coverage.

What is the difference between State Government Reporter vs Local Government Reporter?

AspectState Government ReporterLocal Government Reporter
CredentialsTypically requires a journalism degree or equivalent experienceSimilar credentials, often with local reporting experience
Work EnvironmentState capitols, government agencies, legislative sessionsCity halls, county offices, local government meetings
Employer & IndustryState newspapers, government agencies, broadcast outletsLocal newspapers, community media, local government offices
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for scope and coverage areaFocuses on local issues and community impact

The main difference between a State Government Reporter and a Local Government Reporter lies in their coverage area and work environment. State Government Reporters focus on state-level legislative and government activities, often working in state capitols. Local Government Reporters concentrate on city and county government issues within specific communities. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential for informing the public about government actions at different levels.

What cities are hiring for State Government Reporter jobs?

Cities with the most State Government Reporter job openings:

What states have the most State Government Reporter jobs?

States with the most job openings for State Government Reporter jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to State Government Reporter jobs?

For State Government Reporter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various State Government Reporter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,378 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Local Government Accountability Reporter

Sioux Falls, SD

gannett
Media and Telecom • 10K+ employees
Learn more about gannettexternal

$24.25 - $33/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 79 rated media

Job description

Local Government Accountability Reporter

The Argus Leader/argusleader.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks an enterprising reporter to cover local government, often through a state political lens, without bogging down in day-to-day politics covered by area competition.

The government accountability reporter will primarily cover the Sioux Falls City Council and two county governments, with the occasional smaller municipality as well. They will use what happens at the state level to carve out local coverage about how state policy affects southeastern South Dakota residents.

The position will help put context to issues in the fastest growing city in the Midwest, and the largest city in South Dakota as well as have the potential to help supplement state coverage for two of Gannett’s smaller publications in South Dakota.

This position may also help provide national coverage during Election seasons, given South Dakota’s recent ranking as the No. 2 best state to be in, according to U.S. News & World Report, and high-level politicians from here are actively helping shape the future of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Either way, because this is the state’s most populous area, much of what is decided at the state and national level has direct and immediate through-lines to how our city functions based on taxpayer money. The lifeblood of this position is an ability to find Sioux Falls residents impacted by state policies and to tell their stories in ways that engage and enlighten our audience.

The successful candidate will have experience with accessing public records, the ability to analyze data, and will shape stories around the impact on communities rather than political actors. There may also be a necessity to travel to and occasionally cover politics at our Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota, to assist with Reuters' wire services.

The reporter must embrace our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and be relentless about including diverse voices in our storytelling. Video skills are a plus.

Responsibilities:

  • Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
  • Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in the area of expertise.
  • Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
  • Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues
  • Works with the editor to evaluate metrics, what's working, what's not, and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
  • Collaborate to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, videos, and graphics. Captures basic photos and videos as needed.
  • Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues, and the institutional brand.
  • Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
  • Performs other duties as necessary.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • At least three years of daily journalism experience.
  • Ability to write clear, compelling articles that engage our audience and to enhance your work with video and other digital storytelling tools as appropriate.
  • Understanding of social media and its uses.
  • Understanding of metrics and ability to adapt based on feedback from data.
  • Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently in a 24-hour newsroom.
  • Skill at collaborating in a cross-functional environment and adapting in a rapidly changing industry.
  • This job includes some evening and weekend work.
  • This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Application Instructions
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, please submit: 
  1. Your resume – one to two pages.
  2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
  3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role. 
Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
 
#Newsgnt
#LI-NC1
 
 

What Gannett employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply