Media & Communications California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Editor Salary in California

The median editor salary in California is $100,850 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $73,080.

Median Salary
$100,850
vs National
+$27,770
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Editor Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level editor earns around $57,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,500 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,960
+$15,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,500
+$28,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,500
+$47,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $55,200
25th Percentile $73,140
Median (50th) $100,850
75th Percentile $135,240
90th Percentile $182,160

Editor Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for editors in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$106,697
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$133,006
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$103,774
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$122,774
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$86,234
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Editor in California

Education

Most editor positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EditingAP/Chicago StyleCMS PlatformsContent StrategyFact-CheckingCommunication

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Editor Jobs in California

Browse open editor positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Editor Salary in California

How much does a Editor make in California? ▼
The median editor salary in California is $100,850 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $73,080. Salaries range from $55,200 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Editor make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,850, a editor in California earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for editors? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for editor pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level editors earn $57,960, while senior professionals earn $172,500.
How does California compare to other states for editor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for editors is Hawaii at $124,236. California's median of $100,850 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($124,236) and Massachusetts ($98,658).
What is the entry-level editor salary in California? ▼
An entry-level editor in California earns approximately $57,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $103,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $172,500.
What city in California pays editors the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for editors, with a median salary of $133,006. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.