Editors Salary in U.S. (2024)
In U.S., editors earn $75,260 at the median — $36.18 an hour. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $141K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $75K get you in U.S.?
About editors
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level editors (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $75K.Top earners bring in $141K or more - a $105K spread from bottom to top.
Editors pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $99K | +31% | 17,410 |
| Delaware | $92K | +22% | 180 |
| California | $91K | +20% | 14,920 |
| Washington | $85K | +13% | 2,800 |
| Connecticut | $82K | +9% | 1,310 |
| District of Columbia | $82K | +8% | 3,580 |
| Virginia | $79K | +5% | 3,150 |
| Massachusetts | $79K | +5% | 3,200 |
| West Virginia | $77K | +2% | 350 |
| Oregon | $73K | -3% | 890 |
| Maryland | $73K | -4% | 1,870 |
| Illinois | $68K | -10% | 3,680 |
| Georgia | $67K | -11% | 1,940 |
| New Hampshire | $66K | -12% | 240 |
| Rhode Island | $65K | -14% | 310 |
Track editors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do editors make in U.S.?
The median is $75,260 a year - that works out to about $36.18 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,200, and experienced editors can clear $140,840. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $75K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,111/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 27.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a editors salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median editors salary is worth about $75,260 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do editors get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.