Media & Communications
Editor Salary
Editors review and revise content for publication, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and style consistency.
Median Salary
$73,080
Mean Salary
$79,200
Total Employed
127,500
Job Growth
-5%
Editor Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level editors earn around $42,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $75,000. Senior-level editors can earn $125,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for editors varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $40,000, while the top 10% earn $132,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $73,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,000 |
Editor Salary by State
Editor salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $124,236, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $60,656.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $124,236 | Details → |
| #2 California | $100,850 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $98,658 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $90,619 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $89,158 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $84,042 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $84,042 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $81,850 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $80,388 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $80,388 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $76,734 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $76,734 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $76,734 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $76,003 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $73,811 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $73,811 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $71,618 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $71,618 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $70,888 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $70,888 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $70,888 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $70,888 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $70,157 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $69,426 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $69,426 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $68,695 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $67,964 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $67,964 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $67,234 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $67,234 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $67,234 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $67,234 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $66,503 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $65,772 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $65,772 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $65,772 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $65,772 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $65,772 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $65,041 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $65,041 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $65,041 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $64,310 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $64,310 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $63,580 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $63,580 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $63,580 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $62,849 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $61,387 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $61,387 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $60,656 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Edit content for grammar and style
- ● Plan editorial calendars
- ● Work with writers on drafts
- ● Manage publication workflows
- ● Ensure content standards
Top Skills
Editing AP/Chicago Style CMS Platforms Content Strategy Fact-Checking Communication
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook
Decline — projected -5% growth over the next decade
Find Editor Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions About Editor Salaries
How much does a Editor make per year? ▼
The median editor salary in the United States is $73,080 per year. Entry-level positions start around $42,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $125,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $79,200.
How much does a Editor make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $73,080 per year, a editor earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for editors? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for editors, with a median salary of $124,236. Other top-paying states include California ($100,850) and Massachusetts ($98,658).
What education do you need to become a editor? ▼
Most editor positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Editing, AP/Chicago Style, CMS Platforms, Content Strategy. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for editors? ▼
Employment for editors is projected to grow -5% over the next decade, which is decline. There are currently 127,500 editors employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level editor make? ▼
An entry-level editor with 0-2 years of experience earns around $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $75,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $40,000, while the top 10% earn $132,000.