Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Editors
SOC: 27-3041 O*NET: 27-3041.00
Median Salary
$75,260
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.6%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
9.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
What does a Editors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$36,200
10th percentile
Early Career
$50,210
25th percentile
Median
$75,260
50th percentile
Experienced
$101,210
75th percentile
Top Earners
$140,840
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,200
25th
$50,210
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$75,260
Mean: $85,700
75th
$101,210
90th
$140,840
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $104,640 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $50,210 and $101,210
- •Salary spread is 67.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 95,480 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:115,800
Top Industries
Information60.4%
Publishing Industries39.1%
Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers37.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.6%
Annual Openings:9,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)115,800
Current
2034 (Projected)116,500
+0.6%
+700
Employment Change
+0.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Editors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
New York
17,410 jobs$98,6202.95x
California
14,920 jobs$90,5701.33x
Florida
4,000 jobs$64,3800.66x
Illinois
3,680 jobs$68,0500.98x
District of Columbia
3,580 jobs$81,5808.17x
Pennsylvania
3,500 jobs$63,7900.94x
Massachusetts
3,200 jobs$78,7201.42x
Virginia
3,150 jobs$79,0801.25x
Washington
2,800 jobs$85,2501.28x
New Jersey
2,190 jobs$00.83x
North Carolina
2,000 jobs$64,3400.66x
Georgia
1,940 jobs$66,8800.65x
Maryland
1,870 jobs$72,5001.10x
Minnesota
1,850 jobs$53,9001.02x
Ohio
1,770 jobs$61,3300.52x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Writing
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Time Management
66%
#7
Quality Control Analysis
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Social Perceptiveness
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Writing
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Time Management
intermediate3.3
66%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Writing
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys82%
5 shared skills
Judicial Law Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Loan Interviewers and Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property73%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers67%
5 shared skills
Advertising and Promotions Managers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Time Management
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Editors
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Google Analytics
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Creative Cloud software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechApple macOS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Google Analytics
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office software
Apple macOS
Microsoft PowerPoint
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Management & Supervision (3)General Responsibilities (12)Planning & Development (3)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision100% perform100%
2
Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on management & supervision activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Editors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Editors professionals typically have a ACE Holland code and highly value independence
AArtistic
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Editors
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.65
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.49
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.36
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.35
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.33
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.26
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Integrity
4.5
Cooperation
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Leadership
4.0
Innovation
4.0
Self-Control
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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