Skip to content
AffordMap
Arts & Media · California

How to Become a Editors in California

Editors in California earn a median salary of $90,570/year, which is 20% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a editors takes home approximately $4,217/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$91K
Median salary in California
+20%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
14,920
Employed in California

What a editors can afford in California

Gross annual salary$90,570
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$5,629/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home25.1% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$90,570/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$4,217/mo

Becoming a editors in California

1

Meet education requirements

Editors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many editors positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for editorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 14,920 editors. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.

Editors salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$100K$47.94/hr2,350
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$96K$46.29/hr480
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$95K$45.55/hr140
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$91K$43.55/hr8,690
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$79K$38.16/hr60
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$76K$36.62/hr720
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$75K$36.24/hr130
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$75K$36.18/hr360
Vallejo$73K$34.9/hr40
Salinas$69K$33.21/hr40
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$67K$32.2/hr80
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$66K$31.75/hr320
Fresno$63K$30.26/hr110
Stockton-Lodi$61K$29.1/hr40
Bakersfield-Delano$60K$28.71/hr60

Editors salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$48K
25th percentile
$63K
Median (50th)
$91K
75th percentile
$130K
90th percentile (senior)
$168K
View jobs for Editors
Currently hiring in California
View →
More openings for Editors
Currently hiring in California
View →
Build creative skills online
Design, UX, branding, and portfolio-building courses
View →
Full editors salary breakdown in California
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in California
After federal + 5.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare California cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Editors careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a editors make in California?

The median editors salary in California is $90,570 per year ($43.55/hr). This is 20% above the national median of $75,260. Salaries range from $48,480 to $167,510.

What are the requirements to become a editors in California?

Editors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a editors afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $90,570, a editors in California would take home approximately $5,629/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 25.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for editors in California?

The highest paying metro areas for editors in California are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($99,720), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($96,270), Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($94,750). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for editors?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $90,570 salary, this means roughly $4,561/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.