Editor Salary in the United States
Based on 91K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$66,682
$32.06/hr
▲ 7.9% vs 2024Salary Range
$41K – $114K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
91K
workers nationwide
The median Editor salary in the United States is $66,682 per year, which equates to approximately $32 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for this profession, with half of editors earning more and half earning less. The overall salary range for editors falls between $40,683 and $114,422 annually.
Several factors can influence an Editor salary in the United States. Experience level, geographic location, industry, and the specific responsibilities of the role all play a significant part. For instance, editors in high cost-of-living areas or specialized fields may command higher pay than those in entry-level positions or less lucrative sectors.
Salary Distribution — Editor
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,683 |
| 25th percentile | $51,503 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,682 |
| 75th percentile | $87,738 |
| 90th percentile | $114,422 |
Editor Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Editor
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $101,480 | +52.2% | 17K |
| 2 | California | $98,030 | +47.0% | 15K |
| 3 | Connecticut | $85,950 | +28.9% | 1K |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $83,920 | +25.9% | 3K |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $83,170 | +24.7% | 3K |
| 6 | New Jersey | $81,680 | +22.5% | 2K |
| 7 | Virginia | $80,590 | +20.9% | 3K |
| 8 | Rhode Island | $77,960 | +16.9% | 340 |
| 9 | Colorado | $77,870 | +16.8% | 2K |
| 10 | Washington | $77,850 | +16.7% | 2K |
Editor Salary by Industry
How much Editors earn across industries nationwide — Management of Companies and Enterprises pays the most ($100,360 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,360 | +50.5% | 1K |
| 2 | Transportation and Warehousing | $81,450 | +22.1% | 50 |
| 3 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $79,570 | +19.3% | 5K |
| 4 | Retail Trade | $79,350 | +19.0% | 370 |
| 5 | Information | $78,310 | +17.4% | 54K |
| 6 | Administrative and Support Services | $77,750 | +16.6% | 3K |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $77,400 | +16.1% | 18K |
| 8 | Manufacturing | $77,340 | +16.0% | 480 |
| 9 | Educational Services | $76,380 | +14.5% | 5K |
| 10 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $75,970 | +13.9% | 1K |
| 11 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $73,940 | +10.9% | 480 |
| 12 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | +9.5% | 650 |
| 13 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $68,990 | +3.5% | — |
| 14 | Wholesale Trade | $68,370 | +2.5% | 970 |
| 15 | Finance and Insurance | $54,260 | -18.6% | 2K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Editor
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Editor roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bloomberg | $117,541 | 4 |
Historical Salary Trend — Editor
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,973 |
| 2023 | $61,285 |
| 2024 | $61,822 |
| 2025 | $66,682 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,683 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Editor Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,503 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $66,682 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $87,738 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $114,422 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Editor in the US?
- The median Editor salary in the United States is $66,682 per year. This means that half of all editors earn above this amount, while the other half earn below it.
What is the salary range for an Editor in the United States?
- The salary for an Editor in the United States typically ranges from $40,683 to $114,422 annually. This broad range reflects the varying demands and responsibilities of editing roles across different industries and experience levels.
Which state pays Editors the most?
- New York is the top-paying state for Editors, with an average salary of $101,480. This likely reflects the concentration of media, publishing, and corporate headquarters in the state.
How many Editors are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 91,160 Editors employed across the United States. This indicates a significant demand for skilled professionals in this field.