HOW MUCH DO EDITORS MAKE?

As of the time of this write-up, the average salary for an Editor in the United States is about $64,017. Breaking this figure down will give us an average salary of $30.78 per hour, $1,231 per week, and about $5,334 per month. According to ZipRecruiter, an editor can make as much as $103,500 and as little as $31,500. In the United States, the salary of editors is between $49,000 (25th percentile) and $73,500 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) getting $93,500. The average salary range for an Editor ranges substantially (up to $24,500), implying that there may be numerous prospects for growth and greater income based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

Top Highest Paying Cities for Editor Jobs

One of the factors that affect how much you can make as an editor is your location. The following are some of the highest-paying cities for editor jobs;

San Francisco, CA
Fremont, CA
San Jose, CA
Oakland, CA
Antioch, CA
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Lebanon, NH

How Much Do Editors Make Per Hour?

As of the time of this write-up, a Freelance Editor in the United States can expect to make an average of $31 per hour, with a compensation anywhere from $27 to $35 per hour. There are several aspects that contribute to an individual’s hourly rate, such as their level of education, professional certifications, supplementary skills, and years of experience in their field.

Factors that Affect How Much an Editor Can Make

As with other industries, there’s a disparity in how much a professional editor can make as a result of several factors. The following are some key factors that can influence an editor’s salary:

#1. Experience

Editors with more experience generally command higher salaries. As they gain expertise and develop a strong track record, their value in the industry increases.

#2. Education and qualifications

Holding a relevant degree or certification in editing or a related field can enhance an editor’s earning potential. Advanced degrees or specialized training may lead to higher-paying opportunities.

#3. Type of editing

The type of editing being performed can impact earnings. For example, editors in specialized fields such as medical, legal, or technical editing often earn higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge required.

#4. Industry or sector

The industry or sector in which an editor works can affect their earning potential. Editors in certain fields, such as publishing, journalism, or academic publishing, may have different salary ranges compared to those in marketing, advertising, or corporate environments.

#5. Geographical Location

The cost of living and demand for editors vary across different regions. Editors working in major metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living often earn higher salaries to compensate for the higher expenses.

#6. Freelance vs. Employed

Editors who work as freelancers or independent contractors have more control over their rates but may face fluctuations in income. Those employed full-time by organizations or publishing houses may have more stable salaries with benefits.

#7. Reputation and Portfolio

A well-established reputation in the industry and a strong portfolio of past work can positively influence an editor’s earning potential. Editors with a proven track record and positive client feedback may be able to command higher rates.

#8. Negotiation Skills

The ability to negotiate rates effectively can impact an editor’s income. Skilled negotiators who can demonstrate their value and negotiate favorable contracts or freelance rates often have higher earning potential.

#9. Language Proficiency

Editors who are fluent in multiple languages or possess expertise in editing specific languages may have an advantage, especially in international or multilingual markets.

#10. Workload and Demand

The volume of work an editor takes on and the demand for their services can affect their income. Editors who consistently have a high workload and are in demand may have the opportunity to charge higher rates.

Do Editors Make Good Money?

Sure, editors do make good money. However, the earning potential for editors can vary depending on several factors, including their level of experience, specialization, industry, location, and the specific type of editing they are involved in. While some editors can earn a comfortable income, it’s important to note that salaries can range widely and may not always be considered high in comparison to certain other professions.

What Is the Highest Paid Editor?

The following are the highest-paid editors;

Senior Technical Editor. Salary range: $89,000-$129,500 per year
Offline Editor. Salary range: $90,000-$110,000 per year
Digital Editor. Salary range: $51,000-$92,500 per year
Senior Editor. Salary range: $70,000-$90,000 per year

How Much Do Editors Make in NYC?

In New York City, a senior editor can expect to earn an average salary of $78,470 a year. According to Glassdoor additional $9,158 will be received each year on average and these accrues from cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing are all potential forms of supplementary income. Values inside the “Most Likely Range” fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles of all salary information for this position.

Is Being an Editor a Good Job?

Depending on your passion and interest, it’s a good job. Being an editor can be a fulfilling and rewarding job for those who have a passion for language, written communication, and attention to detail.

What Degree Does an Editor Need?

There is no specific degree requirement to become an editor, as the path to becoming an editor can vary. However, having a relevant degree or educational background can be beneficial and improve your chances of securing editing positions. While a degree can provide a solid foundation, it’s important to note that practical experience, internships, and developing a strong portfolio of edited work are equally crucial for success as an editor. Many editors gain experience through internships, freelance work, or entry-level positions, where they can refine their editing skills and learn industry-specific standards and practices.

Additionally, staying updated with industry trends and developments, pursuing professional certifications (such as the Certified Professional Editor certification), and engaging in continuous learning can further enhance your editing skills and professional prospects. The following are a few degrees or fields of study that can be advantageous for aspiring editors:

#1. English, Literature, or Journalism

A degree in English, literature, journalism, or a related field provides a strong foundation in language, grammar, writing skills, and critical analysis. These skills are essential for editing written content effectively.

#2. Communications or Media Studies

Degrees in communications or media studies can be valuable for editors, particularly in fields like publishing, media, or advertising. These programs often cover writing, editing, and media production, which can be directly applicable to an editing career.

#3. Creative Writing or Professional Writing

Pursuing a degree in creative writing or professional writing can help develop your writing skills, creativity, and understanding of narrative structure. These skills can be valuable when working on fiction, creative nonfiction, or storytelling-focused editing projects.

#4. Technical Writing or Science Communication

For editors interested in editing technical or scientific content, a degree in technical writing or science communication can be advantageous. These programs provide specialized knowledge for communicating complex information clearly and effectively.

How Much Do Video Editors Make?

As of the time of this write-up, the median monthly income for a Video Editor in the United States is $4,960. The median monthly salary for a Video Editor in the United States is $6,041, with the 25th and 75th percentiles at $3,500 and $9,017, respectively, according to data collected by ZipRecruiter. There appears to be a lot of room for growth and promotion in terms of salary and responsibilities for a Video Editor, as the average salary range ranges widely (by as much as $2,541). If you are looking for video editing jobs, then you can check out the ZipRecruiter website, as they post job offers often.

Senior Editor Salary

In the United States, a senior editor can expect an average annual income of $76,293 and a maximum compensation of $84,860. The annual salary increase is approximately $8,567. Cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing are all potential forms of supplementary income. Values inside the “Most Likely Range” fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles of all salary information for this position.

Is Editing a Stressful Career?

To an extent. However, it’s important to note that while editing can be stressful, it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling career. Many editors find joy in improving the clarity and impact of written content, collaborating with authors, and seeing the final product come to fruition.

Who Gets Paid More Writer or Editor?

The payment for writers and editors can vary significantly depending on various factors such as experience, specialization, location, industry, and the specific job or project in question. Generally speaking, highly experienced and sought-after writers or editors may command higher rates.

In many cases, writers are paid based on the content they produce, such as articles, books, scripts, or marketing materials. Successful authors can earn significant sums through book sales, royalties, and advances from publishers. However, it’s important to note that many writers, especially those starting out, may face challenges in earning a stable income solely from their writing.

Editors, on the other hand, typically work on a project basis or as part of an organization, such as a publishing house, magazine, or content agency. Their rates can vary depending on the level of editing required (e.g., developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading), the length and complexity of the material, and the industry standards. Editors with specialized knowledge or skills in specific areas (e.g., technical editing, academic editing) may command higher rates due to the specialized nature of their work.