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Weather Reporter Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

News Reporter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $72/hr

Collaborate with producers, reporters, meteorologists, and digital teams to develop innovative ... Ability to discuss breaking news, weather, traffic, politics, and major events in a conversational ...

Collaborate with producers, reporters, meteorologists, and digital teams to develop innovative ... Ability to discuss breaking news, weather, traffic, politics, and major events in a conversational ...

Collaborate with producers, reporters, meteorologists, and digital teams to develop innovative ... Ability to discuss breaking news, weather, traffic, politics, and major events in a conversational ...

Primary duties involve taking and editing audio from multiple sources including reporters, weather feeds, and network audio feeds. * AP's will place phone calls to check on news stories, and use ...

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Showing results 1-20

Weather Reporter information

See Illinois salary details

$18.4K

$49.8K

$119.8K

How much do weather reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for weather reporter in Illinois is $49,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,956.00 and $60,107.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Weather Reporter, you need a solid understanding of meteorology, strong journalism skills, and typically a degree in communications or atmospheric sciences. Familiarity with weather forecasting tools, broadcast software, and data visualization systems is essential. Excellent verbal communication, quick thinking, and the ability to translate complex data into accessible information help set standout professionals apart. These skills are crucial for delivering accurate, engaging, and timely weather updates to the public, especially during severe weather events.

What is a weather reporter?

A weather reporter, or meteorologist, provides updates and analysis of current and forecasted weather conditions through a television, radio station, or social media platform. In this role, your job duties include developing short-term weather forecasts, analyzing atmospheric conditions that impact climate patterns, and communicating this data to an audience. You can find weather reporter positions with local television stations as well as nationally syndicated news outlets.

What does a weather reporter do?

A Weather Reporter is a broadcast or print journalist who provides the public with weather updates, forecasts, and explanations of meteorological events. They interpret data from weather stations, satellites, and meteorologists to create accessible and accurate reports for television, radio, online, or newspaper audiences. Weather Reporters also alert the public about severe weather conditions and offer safety tips. Their goal is to help communities prepare for and respond to changing weather patterns.

What is the difference between Weather Reporter vs Weather Anchor?

AspectWeather ReporterWeather Anchor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in meteorology, journalism, or communicationsSimilar credentials, often with additional on-air presentation skills
Work EnvironmentField reporting, live broadcasts, newsroomStudio-based, live or recorded broadcasts
Employer & IndustryTV stations, online media, radioTelevision networks, local news stations
Primary RoleReporting weather conditions, providing updatesPresenting weather forecasts to viewers

Both Weather Reporters and Weather Anchors often have similar educational backgrounds and work in broadcast media. The main difference is that Weather Reporters focus on field reporting and providing detailed weather updates, while Weather Anchors primarily present weather forecasts from the studio. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right career path or job search focus within the meteorology and broadcasting industry.

How do weather reporters typically collaborate with meteorologists and news producers during severe weather events?

Weather Reporters work closely with meteorologists to interpret complex weather data and translate it into accurate, understandable information for the public. During severe weather events, they also coordinate with news producers to prioritize updates, ensure real-time coverage, and deliver timely warnings. This collaboration often involves rapid communication and flexibility, as conditions can change quickly and require immediate on-air or digital updates. Effective teamwork is essential to keep audiences informed and safe.
What are popular job titles related to Weather Reporter jobs in IL? For Weather Reporter jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Weather Reporter job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,848 per year, or $24 per hour.

$60 - $72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Fox News rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 76 rated media


Job description

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY
Fox TV Stations
FOX Television Stations owns and operates 29 full power broadcast television stations in the U.S. These include stations located in 14 of the top 15 largest designated market areas, or DMAs, and duopolies in 11 DMAs, including the three largest DMAs (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago). Of these stations, 18 are affiliated with the FOX Network. In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations collectively produce approximately 1,200 hours of local news every week. These stations leverage viewer, distributor and advertiser demand for the FOX Network's national content.
JOB DESCRIPTION
FOX Chicago is looking for a dynamic storyteller who lives at the intersection of news, culture, weather, and community. We are reimagining local journalism and moving beyond scripted, formulaic news coverage. We want someone who can spark meaningful conversations, connect with audiences authentically, and bring curiosity, insight, and personality to every story.
In this role, you will help viewers understand what is happening across Chicagoland and around the country-not just by delivering information, but by providing context, asking smart questions, and creating opportunities for engagement. You should be naturally curious, open-minded, and eager to explore the stories, trends, and issues shaping our communities.
We are building content for broadcast, streaming, social media, podcasts, and platforms still emerging. The ideal candidate embraces experimentation, thrives in a fast-changing media environment, and is energized by finding new ways to reach audiences. We value creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks, learn quickly, and continuously improve.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Host live and recorded programming from the studio and occasionally from the field.
  • Lead engaging conversations that help audiences understand the stories shaping Chicagoland and the nation.
  • Report on breaking news, major events, and compelling local stories across multiple platforms.
  • Conduct thoughtful interviews with newsmakers, community leaders, and everyday people.
  • Develop original story ideas driven by curiosity, audience interests, and cultural relevance.
  • Create compelling content for broadcast, streaming, social media, and digital platforms.
  • Collaborate with producers, reporters, meteorologists, and digital teams to develop innovative storytelling approaches.
  • Identify emerging trends, cultural conversations, and audience interests that can drive impactful coverage.
  • Contribute to podcasts and other long-form storytelling initiatives as opportunities arise.
  • Represent FOX Chicago in the community and help strengthen audience engagement across platforms.

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5 years of journalism, reporting, anchoring, hosting, or related storytelling experience.
  • Exceptional communication, interviewing, and live presentation skills.
  • Strong news judgment and the ability to explain complex topics in a clear, engaging manner.
  • Proven ability to generate original story ideas and develop compelling content.
  • Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
  • Strong understanding of digital, streaming, and social media platforms.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and breaking news situations as required.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across newsroom teams.
  • Ability to discuss breaking news, weather, traffic, politics, and major events in a conversational, informative, and audience-focused manner.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience hosting live television, streaming programs, podcasts, or other audience-facing content.
  • Knowledge of the Chicago market, local issues, and community interests.
  • Experience creating digital-first and social media content that drives audience engagement.
  • Degree in Meteorology or experience communicating weather and climate-related stories.

If you're the kind of journalist who asks one more question, follows your curiosity, connects naturally with people, and believes local journalism can be both informative and compelling, we'd love to hear from you.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $60.00-72.00 per hour. This role is also eligible for various benefits, including medical/dental/vision, insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
View more detail about FOX Benefits.

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