Media & Communications Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Editor Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median editor salary in Arlington, VA is $96,466 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$96,466
vs State Avg
+$20,463
vs National
+$23,386
Cost of Living
132%

Editor Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median editor salary of $96,466, which is $20,463 above the Virginia state average of $76,003. Compared to the national median of $73,080, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $96,466 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $73,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for editors in Arlington spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $121,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,440, while senior editors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,000. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Editor Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level editor earns around $55,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,440
+$13,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,000
+$24,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,000
+$40,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $69,960
Median (50th) $96,466
75th Percentile $129,360
90th Percentile $174,240

Editor Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Editor in Arlington

Education

Most editor positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EditingAP/Chicago StyleCMS PlatformsContent StrategyFact-CheckingCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Editor Jobs in Arlington

Browse open editor positions in Arlington, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Editor Salary in Arlington

How much does a Editor make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median editor salary in Arlington, Virginia is $96,466 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $73,080. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Editor make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,466, a editor in Arlington earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for editor pay? ▼
Arlington's median editor salary of $96,466 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $76,003. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a editor salary of $96,466 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a editor in Arlington? ▼
Most editor positions in Arlington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Editing, AP/Chicago Style, CMS Platforms, Content Strategy. The job market is projected to grow -5% nationally over the next decade.