Editor Salary in California
Based on 15K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$98,030
$47.13/hr
vs National Average
$66,682
+47.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $174K
15K employed in California
The median editor salary in California is $98,030 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 47 percent. With approximately 14,830 editors employed throughout the state, California offers competitive compensation in the publishing and media industries. Salaries in this field range from $52,510 to $173,590 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual qualifications and career progression.
Several factors influence editor salary in California, including experience level, publication type, and geographic location within the state. Specialized editing roles, advanced degrees, and proven portfolio strength typically command higher compensation. Additionally, the cost of living in California and strong demand for editorial talent in major media hubs contribute to the above-average wages compared to other states.
Salary Distribution — Editor in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,510 |
| 25th percentile | $71,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,030 |
| 75th percentile | $136,820 |
| 90th percentile | $173,590 |
Top-Paying Industries for Editor (U.S.)
Which industries pay Editors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Editors in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,360 | 1K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $81,450 | 50 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $79,570 | 5K |
| Retail Trade | $79,350 | 370 |
| Information | $78,310 | 54K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Editor in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,280 |
| 2023 | $88,100 |
| 2024 | $90,570 |
| 2025 | $98,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,912 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,280 | $58,973 |
| 2023 | $88,100 | $61,285 |
| 2024 | $90,570 | $61,822 |
| 2025 | $98,030 | $66,682 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,912 | $70,683 |
Editor Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $173,590 |
Editor Salary in Other States
Related Editor Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Editor ($98,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Editor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst in CA | $94,700 | -3.4% | $45.53/hr |
| Logistician in CA | $92,890 | -5.2% | $44.66/hr |
| Writer and Author in CA | $86,480 | -11.8% | $41.58/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in CA | $85,030 | -13.3% | $40.88/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in CA | $82,720 | -15.6% | $39.77/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CA | $80,450 | -17.9% | $38.68/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CA | $75,790 | -22.7% | $36.44/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CA | $57,560 | -41.3% | $27.67/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -0.2% | $47.05/hr |
| Chemist in CA | $97,860 | -0.2% | $47.05/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CA | $97,680 | -0.4% | $46.96/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in CA | $98,850 | +0.8% | $47.52/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do editors make in California?
- The median salary for editors in California is $98,030 per year, or $47 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 47.0% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for editors in California?
- Editor salaries in California range from $52,510 at the lower end to $173,590 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many editors are employed in California?
- There are 14,830 editors currently employed in California, making it a substantial job market for editorial professionals in the state.
Is editing a well-paying job in California compared to the rest of the US?
- Yes, editing is significantly more lucrative in California than nationally, with the median salary of $98,030 being 47.0% higher than the national average for the profession.