Editor Salary in the United States
Based on 91K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$66,682
$32.059/hr
▲ 7.9% vs 2024Salary Range
$58K – $179K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
91K
workers nationwide
The median editor salary in the United States is $61,822 per year, reflecting steady demand for skilled editorial professionals across publishing, media, and corporate sectors. With approximately 93,280 editors currently employed nationwide, this position represents a stable career path for those with strong writing and communication skills.
Editor salary in the United States varies considerably based on experience level, industry, and geographic location. Entry-level positions typically start around $55,810 annually, while senior editors and those in specialized fields can earn significantly more, with top earners reaching $174,670 or higher. Publishing houses, tech companies, and major media outlets often offer higher compensation packages than smaller organizations.
Salary Distribution — Editor
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,910 |
| 25th percentile | $76,790 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,682 |
| 75th percentile | $140,320 |
| 90th percentile | $179,370 |
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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Editor
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,973 |
| 2023 | $61,285 |
| 2024 | $61,822 |
| 2025 | $66,682 |
Editor Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do editors make per hour in the United States?
- Editors in the United States earn a median of $30 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of $61,822. However, hourly rates can vary significantly depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the salary range for editors in the US?
- Editor salaries in the United States range from $55,810 at the lower end to $174,670 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, specialization, and geographic location.
Which city pays editors the most in America?
- New York is the top paying city for editors in the United States, with an average salary of $98,620. This is significantly higher than the national median of $61,822, reflecting the higher cost of living and concentration of publishing companies in the area.
How many editors are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 93,280 editors employed in the United States. This figure represents the total number of people working in editorial roles across the country.