David Noriega is an award-winning journalist and a national correspondent for NBC News. Based in Los Angeles, he joined NBC News (and its cable sibling MSNBC) in 2023 after prominent reporting stints at Vice News and BuzzFeed.
Noriega’s beat focuses on hard news – especially immigration, labor, and organized extremism. For example, he has reported on asylum seekers at the U.S.–Mexico border and the human cost of immigration policies.
In 2025, his profile has grown further: he was among a wave of journalists moving from NBC News to MSNBC as part of a major editorial reorganization.
David Noriega Biography: Early Life, Family & Education
David Noriega is a national correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC in 2025, widely recognized for his immigration and labor reporting. He is Colombian-American, and his career reflects a deep engagement with Latin American stories. He holds a master’s degree in investigative journalism from Columbia University, which underpinned his decade-long work covering migration across the Americas and beyond.
In fact, his personal bio notes that he “devoted much of his career to covering the Americas” and the evolving Latino diaspora.
There are no public records of his family background, religion, or childhood – he keeps those private, focusing public attention on his journalism.
David Noriega Personal Life, Relationships & Privacy 2025
Noriega maintains a very private personal life. He does not appear on entertainment or gossip outlets, and his public profiles are strictly professional.
For instance, his profiles and social media (X/Twitter, Instagram) emphasize his role as a correspondent.
No reliable source lists his marital status, dating history, or personal relationships; all available information is about his work. This discretion is notable in an era where journalists often share personal details.
Instead of personal branding, Noriega’s colleagues praise him for focusing on field reporting and storytelling – he’s known for letting his journalism speak for itself.
David Noriega Career Journey: NBC News & Vice Reporting Highlights
Vice News and BuzzFeed: Noriega began as a national reporter at BuzzFeed News, then joined Vice News in 2016. At Vice, he co-created the Emmy-nominated series Border to Border, an award-winning digital series on migration.
Topics Covered: He covered organized extremism, criminal justice, and labor issues across the U.S. and beyond. His international reporting spans Latin America, North Africa, and Europe, focusing on migration, politics, and conflict.
Notable Stories: Noriega has reported on major national and global events. These include the legal asylum-seekers at the U.S.–Mexico border, U.S. mass shootings, the fentanyl epidemic, teachers’ strikes in Los Angeles and Denver, Brazil’s election upheaval, and the disarmament of Colombia’s FARC guerrillas.
Award-Winning Journalism: His work has earned top honors. Noriega won an Edward R. Murrow Award for his Mexico coverage, plus awards from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the New York and Los Angeles Press Clubs, and the French American Foundation. He’s also been nominated for multiple News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
Joining NBC/MSNBC: In mid-2023, Noriega became a national correspondent for NBC News based in Los Angeles. By July 2025 he was among several NBC correspondents (like Vaughn Hillyard and Brandy Zadrozny) officially moving to MSNBC as that network prepared to split off under Comcast’s new structure.
Noriega often immerses himself in frontline reporting. One vivid example is his coverage of asylum seekers at the U.S.–Mexico border, where he interviews migrants and officials on-site. This photo shows Noriega reporting from a border location in California. His on-the-ground reports highlight the human impact of policy decisions, and his footage frequently circulates on social media and policy forums.
David Noriega Net Worth & Salary 2025: NBC/MSNBC Reporter Income
Noriega’s exact net worth is undisclosed, and he hasn’t revealed personal financial details.
However, industry data provides context: CareerBliss reports that the average salary for an NBC News correspondent is about $201,000 per year. By this standard, Noriega’s compensation is likely in the mid-six-figure range.
There is no public evidence of him engaging in paid endorsements or owning high-profile businesses or luxury properties. His lifestyle appears modest and fully centered on his journalism career.
David Noriega Facts & Trivia 2025
Global Reporter: He’s reported from over a dozen countries on five continents.
Award Winner: Recipient of an Edward R. Murrow Award and multiple honors from journalism organizations.
Education: Holds an M.A. in Investigative Journalism from Columbia University.
Career Start: Worked at BuzzFeed News (national reporter) and then Vice News before NBC.
Coverage Areas: Specializes in immigration, labor issues, organized crime, and extremism.
Current Base: Based in Los Angeles, California.
Personal: Chooses to keep his private life out of the spotlight – virtually no personal interviews or lifestyle coverage.
David Noriega FAQs: Biography, Career & Personal Life
Is David Noriega married?
There’s no public information on his marital status or family life; he keeps personal details private.
What topics does he cover?
He focuses on immigration policy, criminal justice, labor movements, and organized extremism.
Where is he based?
He is based in Los Angeles, California.
What network does he work for?
He is a national correspondent for NBC News, and in 2025, he joined MSNBC as part of that network’s expanded team.
Has David Noriega won any awards?
Yes. His reporting has earned several accolades, including an Edward R. Murrow Award and honors from Hispanic journalism associations and press clubs.