Media & Communications Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Editor Salary in Virginia

The median editor salary in Virginia is $76,003 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $73,080.

Median Salary
$76,003
vs National
+$2,923
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Editor Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for editor compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for editor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $76,003 per year, editors in Virginia earn $2,923 more than the national median of $73,080.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning editor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: editors at the 10th percentile earn $41,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $137,280 — a $95,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $96,466.

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced editors with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Editor Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level editor earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,000 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
+$1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,000
+$3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,000
+$5,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $41,600
25th Percentile $55,120
Median (50th) $76,003
75th Percentile $101,920
90th Percentile $137,280

Editor Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for editors in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Editor in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

EditingAP/Chicago StyleCMS PlatformsContent StrategyFact-CheckingCommunication

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Editor Salary in Virginia

How much does a Editor make in Virginia? ▼
The median editor salary in Virginia is $76,003 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $73,080. Salaries range from $41,600 (10th percentile) to $137,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Editor make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,003, a editor in Virginia earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for editors? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for editor pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level editors earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $130,000.
How does Virginia compare to other states for editor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for editors is Hawaii at $124,236. Virginia's median of $76,003 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($76,734) and Rhode Island ($76,734).
What is the entry-level editor salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level editor in Virginia earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $78,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $130,000.
What city in Virginia pays editors the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for editors, with a median salary of $96,466. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.