Editors

Competition for editing jobs is fierce, and there is no shortage of people who wish to enter the field. For that reason, companies that employ editors generally pay relatively low initial salaries.

Median annual earnings for editors were $75,020 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,790, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $138,920. Fifty percent of editors earned between $51,810 and $101,100. The mean annual earnings for editors who were employed by newspaper, book, and directory publishers were $78,500; by media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers, $92,320; and by advertising and public relations firms, $88,400.

Copy editors earned salaries that ranged from $41,000 to $81,000 in 2024, according to PayScale.com. They earned average salaries of $55,535.

Typical benefits may be available for full-time salaried employees including sick leave, vacation pay, and health, life, and disability insurance. Retirement plans may also be available, and some companies may match employees’ contributions. Some companies may also offer stock-option plans. Self-employed editors must provide their own benefits.