Copy Editor Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Copy Editor make?

The average salary for a Copy Editor is $61,187 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Copy Editor positions, showing an average salary of $61,187 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Copy Editor positions, showing an average salary of $61,187 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Copy Editor positions, showing an average salary of $61,187 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Copy Editor positions, showing an average salary of $61,187 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Copy editors play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and clarity of written content. They review and correct text for grammar, spelling, and style. This job is important in many industries, including publishing, journalism, and marketing. The average yearly salary for a copy editor is around $61,187. This means that many copy editors earn a good living.

The salary for copy editors can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer. Those with more experience often earn higher salaries. Copy editors working in big cities or for large companies may also see higher pay. Here are some common salary ranges for copy editors:

Entry-level: $31,000 to $40,000
Mid-level: $49,000 to $67,000
Senior-level: $76,000 to $130,000

What are the highest paying cities for a Copy Editor?

Philadelphia, PA, and San Francisco, CA, offer the highest salaries for Copy Editor jobs. Philadelphia pays an average of $99,991, while San Francisco pays $94,021. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking top pay in their field. Washington, DC, Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA, also offer competitive salaries for Copy Editors. Washington, DC, pays $83,162, Chicago, IL, pays $71,420, and Los Angeles, CA, pays $70,772. These cities are great choices for job seekers looking for good pay and a vibrant environment.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Copy Editor jobs, highlighting Philadelphia, PA with the highest at $99,991 and Pittsburgh, PA with the lowest at $40,055.

Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $99,991
In Philadelphia, you can find copy editing roles in various media companies. The city's rich history in journalism offers many opportunities. Companies like The Philadelphia Inquirer provide a strong platform for skilled editors.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $94,021
San Francisco is a hub for tech and media. Copy editors here work with leading companies like Google and LinkedIn. The city's vibrant culture enhances the creative aspects of the job.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $83,162
In Washington, DC, copy editors often work for government agencies and major news outlets. The city's political environment provides a unique context for editing. Companies like The Washington Post offer prominent roles.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $71,420
Chicago offers a mix of traditional media and new digital platforms. Copy editors here work with companies like Tribune Publishing and WGN Radio. The city's diverse media landscape provides varied opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $70,772
Los Angeles is a center for entertainment and media. Copy editors here often work for film and TV companies. The city's vibrant culture adds an exciting element to the job. Major companies include NBC and CBS.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $65,929
Nashville is known for its music industry. Copy editors here work with music magazines and media companies. The city's creative environment makes the job engaging. Companies like Billboard offer interesting roles.
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Orlando, FL
Average Salary: $56,364
Orlando offers a mix of tourism and media. Copy editors here work for companies like Disney and Universal Studios. The city's dynamic atmosphere provides a lively work environment.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $52,708
Columbus has a growing media scene. Copy editors here work with local newspapers and media outlets. The city's supportive community makes it a great place to work. Companies like The Columbus Dispatch offer solid opportunities.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $41,520
Phoenix offers a mix of traditional and digital media. Copy editors here work with companies like The Arizona Republic. The city's warm climate and growing industry provide a pleasant work environment.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $40,055
Pittsburgh has a strong media presence. Copy editors here work with local newspapers and media companies. The city's rich history in journalism offers many opportunities. Companies like the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provide prominent roles.
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What are the best companies a Copy Editor can work for?

CELLA offers the highest average salary for Copy Editor jobs at $64,501. This company provides a competitive pay package and a chance to work with top-tier content. Productive Playhouse also offers a good salary of $56,667, making it another attractive option.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Copy Editor jobs, highlighting CELLA with the highest at $64,501 and RR Donnelley with the lowest at $35,199.

CELLA
Average Salary: $64,501
CELLA offers competitive salaries for Copy Editor jobs. They focus on providing high-quality content across various industries. This company operates in multiple locations, including Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.
Productive Playhouse
Average Salary: $56,667
Productive Playhouse is known for its creative and engaging work environment. They offer Copy Editor positions with a focus on storytelling and content creation. The company operates in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin.
RR Donnelley
Average Salary: $35,199
RR Donnelley provides Copy Editor jobs with a focus on print and digital media. They offer opportunities for growth and development in the field. The company operates in Chicago, Indianapolis, and other key locations.

How to earn more as a Copy Editor?

Aspiring copy editors can enhance their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Building strong skills in grammar, punctuation, and style guides is essential. Mastery of these areas allows copy editors to work more efficiently and accurately, which can lead to higher pay rates. Additionally, gaining experience in different industries can open up more job opportunities and potentially higher salaries. Specializing in a niche, such as legal or medical writing, can also command higher rates due to the specialized knowledge required.

Networking and building a strong professional reputation can significantly impact earning potential. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other professionals on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to better job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in the industry can also make a copy editor more valuable. Finally, seeking out freelance or contract work can provide additional income streams and the opportunity to negotiate higher rates based on experience and expertise.

Here are five factors that can help a copy editor earn more:

Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and style guides
Experience in different industries
Specialization in a niche
Networking and professional reputation
Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends

How much does a Copy Editor make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Copy Editor?

What are the best companies a Copy Editor can work for?

How to earn more as a Copy Editor?

Currently 56 Copy Editor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Copy Editor in the US?

Win at hiring.