Copy Editors

Median annual earnings for all editors were $75,020 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $38,790, and the highest paid 10 percent earned $138,920 or more. The mean annual earnings for all editors in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing were $78,500, while those employed by the motion picture and video industries earned $125,320.

Copy editors employed full time with a company typically receive fringe benefits such as paid vacations, sick leave, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Those who work on a freelance basis do not receive these benefits.