Copy Editor Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Copy Editor make?

The average salary for a Copy Editor is $54,914 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Copy Editor positions, showing an average salary of $54,914 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Copy Editor positions, showing an average salary of $54,914 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Copy Editor positions, showing an average salary of $54,914 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Copy Editor positions, showing an average salary of $54,914 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Copy editors play a key role in making sure written content is clear and error-free. Their work is important for books, websites, magazines, and more. The pay for a copy editor can vary based on experience and location. On average, a copy editor earns about $54,914 each year.

Many copy editors see their pay change as they gain more experience. Entry-level editors might start with a salary around $30,000. With a few years of experience, that number can grow to over $70,000. Here are some more details:

Bottom 10% earn about $30,000
Middle 50% earn between $38,182 and $62,727
Top 10% earn about $87,273 or more

Having skills like attention to detail and knowledge of style guides can help a copy editor earn more. Many employers also value those with a degree in journalism or English.

What are the highest paying cities for a Copy Editor?

Job seekers looking for top-paying opportunities as copy editors should consider cities like Washington, DC, and San Francisco, CA. These cities offer competitive salaries, with DC leading at $79,130 and San Francisco at $78,934. Both cities attract a variety of media and publishing companies, ensuring a steady demand for skilled editors. Exploring other high-paying locations, Los Angeles and Chicago provide strong markets for copy editors. Los Angeles offers an average salary of $72,268, while Chicago provides $71,574. These cities benefit from a vibrant media scene, giving professionals a chance to thrive in their roles. Job seekers with the right skills can expect rewarding careers in these cities.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Copy Editor jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $79,130 and Phoenix, AZ with the lowest at $41,115.

Washington, DC
Average Salary: $79,130
In Washington, DC, professionals find great opportunities in government and media sectors. Many work with leading newspapers and think tanks. The city's vibrant political scene offers unique content to edit. Washington provides a dynamic environment for those seeking to make an impact.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $78,934
San Francisco offers a tech-driven market with many startups and established companies. Copy editors work with innovative tech firms and media giants. The city’s fast-paced environment keeps projects fresh and engaging. Working here means being part of a creative and collaborative community.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $72,268
Los Angeles is home to the entertainment industry, offering exciting opportunities for copy editors. They work with film studios, TV networks, and streaming services. The city’s diverse cultural scene adds variety to the content they handle. Working in LA means being part of a lively and dynamic media landscape.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $71,574
Chicago has a rich media history with many newspapers and publishing houses. Copy editors here work with legacy media and new digital platforms. The city’s strong journalism tradition offers solid career growth. Professionals enjoy a balanced work environment with plenty of networking opportunities.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $67,231
Boston’s academic and medical sectors provide diverse editing roles. Copy editors often work with educational publishers and healthcare companies. The city’s prestigious universities offer a steady stream of opportunities. Working in Boston means being part of a community that values education and innovation.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $65,899
Nashville, known for its music scene, also has a growing media industry. Copy editors work with music publications and entertainment firms. The city’s creative atmosphere is ideal for those who enjoy a blend of arts and media. Nashville offers a friendly and supportive work environment.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $48,350
Columbus has a mix of manufacturing and tech companies, offering stable editing positions. Copy editors often work with local businesses and media outlets. The city’s affordable cost of living makes it an attractive option. Working in Columbus means enjoying a balanced lifestyle with good career prospects.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $41,115
Phoenix provides a warm climate and growing job market for copy editors. They work with a mix of local businesses and national companies. The city’s expanding tech sector offers new opportunities. Working in Phoenix means enjoying a sunny environment with plenty of career growth.
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What are the best companies a Copy Editor can work for?

Job seekers looking for top-paying copy editor roles may find excellent opportunities at the County of San Mateo. This employer offers an average salary of $66,880, providing a competitive advantage. Companies like Cella, Epiq, and RR Donnelley also offer solid pay, with salaries ranging from $52,242 to $64,455. These employers show strong commitment to rewarding copy editors for their important work.

Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Copy Editor jobs, highlighting County of San Mateo with the highest at $66,880 and RR Donnelley with the lowest at $38,619.

County of San Mateo
Average Salary: $66,880
The County of San Mateo offers rewarding Copy Editor jobs. They focus on clear communication and quality content across their departments. Based in California, they serve a diverse community. Their Copy Editor roles provide opportunities to enhance public documents and internal communications.
Cella
Average Salary: $64,455
At Cella, Copy Editors play a key role in creating precise and professional content. This company values detail and accuracy. They are located in Chicago and New York, offering Copy Editors the chance to work in vibrant cities. Their roles involve editing research documents and client reports.
Epiq
Average Salary: $52,242
Epiq offers Copy Editor positions with a focus on legal and financial content. They work in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Copy Editors here ensure all documents meet high standards of clarity and correctness.
RR Donnelley
Average Salary: $38,619
RR Donnelley provides Copy Editor jobs in various locations, including Chicago and Indianapolis. They focus on creating content for print and digital media. Copy Editors here work on a wide range of projects, from marketing materials to technical manuals.

How to earn more as a Copy Editor?

Aspiring copy editors can take several steps to boost their earnings. It all begins with gaining the right experience and skills. Building a strong portfolio can help set apart from other candidates. Networking with others in the industry can lead to better job opportunities. Staying up-to-date on the latest trends and tools can keep skills sharp and relevant.

Pursuing additional certifications can lead to higher paying positions. Many copy editors choose to specialize in a specific field or industry. This can help them command higher rates. Attending workshops and conferences can offer new learning opportunities. Joining professional organizations can provide access to job boards and other resources. Writing about copy editing can establish credibility and attract more job offers.

These strategies can help copy editors earn more. By focusing on skills and experience, they can increase their value in the job market.

Here are some key factors to consider:

Experience and Skills
Portfolio
Networking
Certifications
Specialization

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 44 Copy Editor job openings, nationwide.

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

Win at hiring.