What Are the Different Types of Editor Roles and Their Salaries?

Editorial careers offer a clear path from entry-level roles to senior leadership, with the core responsibility being to refine written content for publication. Salaries for editors in the United States typically range from approximately $35,000 for entry-level positions to over $85,000 for senior management roles, according to data aggregated from industry sources. This guide details the primary duties and earning potential for ten common editorial positions.

What Are the Common Entry-Level and Junior Editor Roles?

Beginning a career in editing often involves roles that provide a foundational understanding of the publishing process. These positions are crucial for gaining practical experience.

Editorial Assistant An editorial assistant supports the entire editorial team with administrative and foundational editing tasks. Their duties may include reviewing initial submissions, corresponding with authors, managing schedules, and learning the intricacies of the publication process. This is typically a permanent, salaried position that serves as a direct stepping stone to more advanced editorial roles. The national average salary for an editorial assistant is approximately $45,000 per year.

Proofreader A proofreader performs the final quality check on a document before it is published. Their primary focus is on catching surface errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. While some proofreaders work in-house, many operate on a freelance basis. This role requires a meticulous eye for detail. The national average salary for a proofreader is around $41,000 per year.

What Are the Core Mid-Level Editorial Positions?

Mid-level editors take on greater responsibility for the content's quality, style, and factual accuracy.

Copy Editor A copy editor goes beyond proofreading by ensuring the text adheres to a specific style guide (like APA or Chicago Manual of Style) and is clear, consistent, and readable. They may also fact-check information and verify sources. This role is critical for maintaining the publication's credibility and voice. The national average salary for a copy editor is about $50,000 per year.

Content Editor A content editor engages deeply with the substance of a piece. They evaluate the structure, flow, and overall effectiveness of the writing, suggesting significant revisions to characters, plot, argument, or angle to better suit the target audience. This role often involves direct communication with authors. The national average salary for a content editor is roughly $60,000 per year.

Web Editor A web editor specializes in online content. Their duties include all the responsibilities of a content or copy editor, with the added focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)—the practice of increasing a web page's visibility in search engine results. They may also manage content calendars, schedule publications, and integrate multimedia elements like images and hyperlinks. The national average salary for a web editor is approximately $55,000 per year.

Technical Editor A technical editor works with complex documents such as user manuals, scientific papers, and engineering reports. They must not only have exceptional editing skills but also the ability to understand and clarify highly technical information for a specific audience. The national average salary for a technical editor is about $72,000 per year, often reflecting the need for specialized knowledge.

What Do Senior-Level Editorial Roles Entail?

Senior editors oversee teams, strategy, and the overall direction of a publication.

Managing Editor A managing editor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a publication's editorial department. Their duties include supervising staff, assigning stories, managing budgets and workflows, and ensuring deadlines are met. They report to the editor-in-chief and handle the logistical side of publishing. The national average salary for a managing editor is around $83,000 per year.

Editor-in-Chief The editor-in-chief (EIC) is the top editorial position, setting the publication's vision, tone, and editorial standards. The EIC makes final decisions on content, oversees the senior editorial team, and is involved in high-level business strategy, including budgeting and marketing. The national average salary for an editor-in-chief is approximately $85,000 per year, though this can be significantly higher at major publications.

Is Freelance Editing a Viable Career Path?

Freelance Editor A freelance editor is self-employed, working on a project basis for various clients. They may perform any of the editing roles listed above, from proofreading to developmental editing. Success in freelance editing requires strong self-discipline, business acumen, and a robust professional network. Income can be variable, but the national average salary equivalent is about $44,000 per year.

How Do You Become an Editor?

Based on our assessment of industry standards, a typical path to becoming an editor involves several key steps. Earning a bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or Communications is the most common starting point. Gaining experience through internships, contributing to publications, and building a portfolio is essential. Career progression often involves starting as an editorial assistant or proofreader before advancing to copy editing, content editing, and eventually, management positions. Continuous skill development, particularly in digital tools and SEO, is crucial for long-term career growth.

Key takeaways for aspiring editors include: pursuing a relevant degree, seeking practical experience through internships or assistant roles, specializing in a specific type of editing (like technical or web editing), and building a strong portfolio of work to demonstrate expertise.