Editors plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. They often review story proposals from writers, or assign stories from other sources to particular writers. They must sometimes copy edit drafts of stories for possible publication.  Job titles may include:  copy editor, technical editor, and advertising editor.

Average Salary:

$57,180

Average Hours (per week):

Editors’ schedules generally are determined by the news organization’s production schedule and the type of editorial position. Most salaried editors work in very busy offices and have to deal with production deadline pressures and the stresses of ensuring that the information they publish is accurate. As a result, editors often work long hours, especially leading up to a publication deadline. Deadlines are often daily or even more frequently when editing material for the Internet or for a live broadcast. Overseeing and coordinating multiple writing projects simultaneously is common in these jobs. Freelance editors face the added pressures of finding work on an ongoing basis and continually adjusting to new work environments.

Union:

None

Certifications:

A college degree is required for a position as an editor. Mastery of computers and communications equipment is necessary in order to stay in touch with sources, editors, and other writers while working on assignments, whether from home, an office, or while traveling.

Training Period:

A bachelor’s degree or higher is typically needed for a job as an author, writer, or editor.  Good training and experience for editorial jobs can be had by working on high school and college newspapers, community newspapers, and radio and television stations. Most magazines, newspapers, and broadcast stations also have internships for students. Interns may write stories, conduct research and interviews, and learn about the publishing or broadcasting business from the inside.

Strongest Market(s):

The largest market for editors is in the newspaper, magazine, and publishing industries.  Demand is high in these industries in Washington D.C., New York, Boston and Chicago. Currently there is a shift from print editorial to online digital editorial.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $13.51 to $17.64 per hour.

Top Salary:

$95,490

Job Growth Forecast:

Little or no change in growth for editors is anticipated in the coming decade due to the shift to online editorial.

Related posts:

1. Film and Video Editors
2. Authors and Writers
3. Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
4. Reporters and Correspondents
5. Advertising Sales Agent