How to Become an Editor

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for editors was $63,350  in May 2021. That translates to an hourly wage of $30.52 and a monthly salary of $5,279. 

Experience matters

As with most occupations, experience is one of the main factors that will affect your salary as an editor. The more experience you have, the higher your salary will be. In addition to experience, your education and skills will also play a role in determining your salary. 

Education and skills

While having a degree is usually enough to get your foot in the door, most employers will require that you have more than that. In addition to an undergraduate degree, you will likely need to have a master's degree or higher in order to be eligible for most top-level positions. In terms of skills, you will need to be an excellent writer and editor with a keen eye for detail. You will also need to have strong communication and organizational skills. 

Organization and industry

The organization you work for and the industry you work in will also affect your salary. For instance, editors who work for large publishing houses will usually earn more than those who work for smaller organizations. Likewise, editors who work in the legal or medical field will often make more than those who work in other industries. 

Location

As with most occupations, location is another important factor that will affect your salary as an editor. Editors who live and work in large cities will usually earn more than those who live and work in smaller towns.

Becoming an editor is usually financially and emotionally rewarding, especially for someone who's well prepared. It's a career that offers a lot of opportunities for growth and development. If you're thinking about becoming an editor, there are a few things you should know. 

What are the responsibilities of an editor?

When you become an editor, you'll be responsible for reviewing and editing content for errors. This includes checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, as well as ensuring that the content is accurate and in line with any style guidelines in place. You'll likely work closely with authors to help them improve their writing skills and ensure that their work meets all the necessary requirements. Among other things, you'll be responsible for giving feedback on drafts and providing guidance on how to make revisions. 

Supervising and managing other editors and writers 

As an editor, you will also be responsible for supervising and managing other editors and writers. This will likely involve working with authors to ensure that their work meets all the necessary requirements and providing feedback on drafts. In addition to collaborating with authors, you'll also need to coordinate with other departments within the organization, such as the marketing or sales department. This will ensure that all the content meets the needs of the different departments and that it's error-free.

What type of equipment do editors use?

To do your job, you'll need a computer to edit and format text, as well as to manage files and track changes. There is also a variety of software that you will use to help you with your job. This includes word processors, such as Microsoft Word, and editing software, such as Adobe Acrobat. You will likely need access to printers, scanners, and other office equipment, depending on the organization you work for. This equipment will get used to print and scan documents, as well as to make copies of edited documents. You'll also need access to reference materials, such as dictionaries and style guides. These will help you ensure that the content is right.

What is the work environment of an editor?

As an editor, you'll usually work in an office setting. However, some organizations will allow you to work remotely. In some cases, you will have to adopt a hybrid working arrangement, which means you'll split your time between working in the office and working from home. This will likely depend on the nature of the organization and the specific job requirements. If you're working remotely, you'll need to have a computer and the necessary software to do your job. You'll also need to be able to meet deadlines and communicate effectively with your team. 

Who are your colleagues as an editor? 

Editing is a team effort, so as an editor, you'll be working with a variety of colleagues, including authors. You'll help them improve their writing skills and ensure that their work meets all the necessary requirements. You'll also be working with other editors to ensure that all the content meets the organization's editorial standards. If you're working on a print publication, you'll be working with designers to ensure that the layout and design of the publication are up to par. You'll also be working with printers to ensure that the publication is correctly and timely printed. 

What is the work schedule of an editor?

As an editor, you'll usually work full-time during regular office hours. This amounts to about 40 hours per week. However, sometimes, you will have to work additional hours to meet deadlines or to coordinate with colleagues in other time zones. In some cases, you will be able to work flexibly, which means you get to choose your own hours. This will likely depend on the organization you work for and the specific job requirements.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for editors will grow by about 5% by 2030. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations, and there are several reasons for this. 

Increasing demand for content 

As more and more organizations move their operations online, there is an increasing demand for content. This means that there is a need for editors who will help create and curate this content. 

Advances in technology 

Advances in technology have made it easier for people to produce and consume content. This has led to a need for editors to help ensure that this content is of high quality. 

Growing popularity of social media 

The growing popularity of social media has also led to a need for editors. This is because social media platforms are becoming increasingly important channels for organizations to communicate with their audiences. 

Increasing need for accuracy and precision 

As the amount of information available online continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for this information to be accurate and precise. This has led to a need for editors to help ensure that this is the case. 

What are the career prospects for editors?

The career prospects for editors are quite good. With experience, you will move up to positions of greater responsibility, such as a senior editor or managing editor. You will also move into other related fields, such as publishing, journalism, or public relations. 

What are the advantages of working with Spherion as an editor?

If you are actively looking for a job or just checking what's out there, working with Spherion is the answer. We can help you with your search for employment by matching you with an editor job that fits your skills. As one of the leading staffing companies, Spherion has connections with a wide range of local businesses. The Spherion team offers plenty of networking opportunities, so you can find the right office for your work style. Whether you prefer to work with a small family business or a major company, we have options for you. Working via Spherion offers you a number of advantages. For example:

• Being paid on a weekly basis
• Flexibility
• Getting a contact person to fall back on and ask for help
• Accessing a lot of training opportunities
• Accessing a range of jobs in your area 
• Having a personal contact to assist you with your job search
• Having a quick and seamless interviewing process

To become an editor, there are certain educational requirements that you will need to meet. There are also other qualifications, such as certifications, depending on the organization you choose.

Educational requirements

The educational requirements for becoming an editor vary depending on the organization you choose. However, most organizations will require that you have at least a bachelor's degree. It’s recommended that your education is in a field that’s related to the type of editing you want to do. However, a degree in English, communications, or journalism is often preferred. 

Certifications 

There are certain certifications and licenses that you will need to become an editor. These vary depending on the organization you choose. However, having the Poynter Institute's Editing Certificate is often helpful. You should also consider getting certified by the University of Washington through its Certificate in Editing program. 

Skills & competencies

As an editor, you will need to be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. This includes being able to explain your edits clearly and concisely. It is also important that you have strong attention to detail. This means being able to identify errors and inconsistencies in the text. You will need to be well organized in order to keep track of all the different documents you are working on. This includes being able to prioritize your work and meet deadlines. Critical thinking skills are also important as they will help you identify errors and make decisions about how to fix them. Creativity is a valuable skill for editors as it will help you come up with new and innovative ways to improve the text.

It's normal to have questions when you're considering a new career. By now you know that editors are important professionals when it comes to content creation and publishing. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming an editor.