Occupation · SOC 27-3041
Editors
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Median wage
$75,260
$36,200–$140,840
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
95,480
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
928 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionWritingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingTime ManagementQuality Control AnalysisComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
English LanguageCommunications and MediaAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEducation and Training
Technology & tools
Document management softwareVideo creation and editing softwareComputer based training softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb page creation and editing software
Representative tasks
Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.Arrange for copyright permissions.Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors — identify and correct by reading copy carefully under direct editorial supervision in a print or digital newsroom.Standard reference sources — consult and apply to verify basic facts, dates, and statistics in submitted manuscripts with guidance from a senior editor.Word processing and document management software — use to track changes and annotate manuscripts during initial editorial review cycles.Submitted manuscripts — read and summarize key strengths and weaknesses for a senior editor's evaluation in a publishing or media environment.Reader and audience appeal — recognize and note when reviewing story or content ideas as part of an editorial team under close direction.Copy readability — improve through basic rewriting tasks assigned by a supervising editor in a structured editorial workflow.Desktop publishing and layout tools — operate at a foundational level to support production tasks under supervision in a publishing department.Editorial style guides — follow consistently when proofreading articles, newsletters, or web content in an entry-level editing role.Written drafts and articles — prepare short-form text such as news briefs or newsletter items under editorial direction in a media organization.Active listening and note-taking — apply during editorial meetings and author conferences to accurately capture feedback and revision instructions.
developing
Grammar, style, and factual accuracy — independently review and correct across a steady volume of copy in a digital or print publishing environment.Reference databases and primary sources — routinely consult to verify statistics, dates, and claims in feature articles with minimal supervisory oversight.Manuscripts and submitted content — evaluate for structure, voice, and audience fit, then communicate revision recommendations directly to authors.Content ideas and editorial pitches — develop and refine by applying knowledge of audience demographics and platform requirements in a media organization.Copy for multiple content formats — rewrite and edit to improve readability and consistency across web, print, and social media channels with reduced oversight.Publication production schedules — monitor and coordinate artwork, layout, and typesetting tasks to support on-time delivery within budget in a mid-size editorial team.Feature articles, editorials, and web content — write independently to fill editorial gaps or meet specific coverage needs in a newsroom or content studio.Graphics and photo imaging software — apply to review and approve visual assets for editorial accuracy and style compliance during production cycles.Junior writers and fact-checkers — provide structured feedback and day-to-day guidance as an established member of an editorial team.Competing editorial priorities — manage by applying time management techniques to balance multiple assignments against publication deadlines.
proficient
Complex or high-stakes manuscripts — evaluate autonomously for content, organization, and publishability, negotiating substantive revisions directly with authors in a professional publishing context.Multilayered factual claims — verify across primary and secondary sources, applying advanced research judgment to ensure editorial accuracy in investigative or specialized content.Full editorial scope — oversee independently, encompassing copy editing, structural revision, and final approval across a publication's complete content pipeline.Non-routine editorial problems — resolve using critical thinking and deductive reasoning, such as restructuring a failing series or pivoting content strategy mid-cycle.Publication production workflow — manage end-to-end, coordinating printers, designers, and digital teams to meet deadline and budget requirements without escalation.Reporters and staff editors — supervise and coordinate, assigning coverage, reviewing output, and maintaining editorial standards across a full team.Audience engagement and content strategy — develop story ideas informed by analytics, market trends, and editorial mission in a competitive media environment.Web platform and desktop publishing tools — deploy proficiently to manage digital production, CMS workflows, and layout quality control across multiple channels.Long-form articles, editorials, and specialized reports — write and publish to a high professional standard, adapting voice and structure to the outlet's editorial identity.Author and contributor relationships — negotiate revision expectations and manage sensitive editorial conflicts with professionalism and persuasive communication.
advanced
Editorial vision and content strategy — define and champion at the organizational level, setting long-term direction for a publication, media brand, or content division.Editorial standards and style policies — establish and institutionalize across an organization, ensuring consistency and integrity throughout all publication channels and teams.Senior editors and department leads — develop and mentor, building organizational capability by coaching advanced editorial judgment and leadership skills.Cross-functional publication production — lead at executive scale, aligning editorial, design, technology, and business teams around shared deadlines and quality standards.Organizational editorial budgets and resource allocation — oversee and optimize, making high-stakes decisions about staffing, tooling, and production investment in a media enterprise.Audience analytics and market intelligence — synthesize and translate into editorial strategy, directing content innovation that sustains competitive positioning and reader growth.Complex organizational problems in editorial operations — solve through systems analysis and strategic judgment, such as redesigning workflows in response to platform disruption.External stakeholders, contributors, and industry partners — represent the organization in negotiations, partnerships, and public forums as a principal editorial voice.Ethical and legal editorial risks — adjudicate at the final decision-making level, applying integrity and institutional judgment on issues of accuracy, fairness, and publication liability.Emerging editorial technologies and platforms — evaluate and lead adoption of new tools such as AI-assisted writing or multimedia production systems to advance organizational capacity.
Also known as
105 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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