Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

SOC: 27-3041.00

Common Job Titles

  • Editor
  • News Editor
  • Newspaper Copy Editor
  • Sports Editor

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate manuscript proposals and drafts for publication suitability applying editorial judgment and audience consideration across multiple content formats.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex written material and technical documentation to ensure meaning is preserved while improving readability and structure.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize research findings and factual information across diverse knowledge domains to verify content accuracy and relevance.
  • KnowledgeFormulate editorial strategies and style consistency protocols for print, digital, and multimedia publications.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze written content for accuracy, clarity, coherence, and adherence to style guidelines working independently with diverse text genres and subject matter.
  • KnowledgeAssess editorial workflow and content quality standards to maintain publication integrity and meet production deadlines.
  • MindsetIntegrate author feedback and editorial guidance when collaborating with writers, designers, and production teams in a deadline-driven environment.
  • MindsetAdvocate reader experience and content accessibility principles while balancing author intent, brand voice, and publication standards.
  • KnowledgeCoordinate multi-author projects and publication schedules managing priorities and communicating timelines with stakeholders under time constraints.
  • Hands-onOperate content management systems and publishing software platforms including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, and CMS tools to produce publication-ready materials.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Editors (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

95,480

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $36,200. 25th percentile: U.S. $50,210. 50th percentile: U.S. $75,260. 75th percentile: U.S. $101,210. 90th percentile: U.S. $140,840. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$36,200
10% of workers earn the following or more$140,840
Workers on average earn$85,700

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • English Language4.8/5
  • Communications and Media4.5/5
  • Administration and Management3.3/5
  • Administrative3.3/5
  • Education and Training3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Apple macOS
  • Cascading style sheets CSS
  • Drupal
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Facebook
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Docs
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Word
  • WordPress

Technology Skills

  • Adobe Captivate
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe FrameMaker
  • Adobe InCopy
  • After the Deadline
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Apple iWork Keynote
  • AutoCrit Editing Wizard
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Desktop computers
  • Digital still cameras
  • Digital video cameras
  • Laptop computers
  • Multi-line telephone systems
  • Personal computers
  • Precision rulers
  • Teleconferencing equipment
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment