Editors work across text, video, and multimedia formats to review, refine, and prepare content for publication or broadcast. Depending on specialisation, a day may involve line-editing articles for grammar, style, and factual accuracy; cutting and assembling video footage in an editing suite; or shaping a newsletter's voice and structure for a specific audience. They collaborate closely with writers, producers, photographers, and social media teams to ensure every piece meets editorial standards, platform requirements, and deadlines. In branded or digital contexts, editors also consider SEO, engagement metrics, and audience data when making editorial decisions.
Key responsibilities
Review and edit written copy or video footage for accuracy, clarity, style, and tone
Manage editorial workflows and ensure content meets publication deadlines
Collaborate with writers, producers, and designers to develop and refine content
Apply house style guides and platform-specific formatting standards
Cut, sequence, and colour-grade video or audio for broadcast and digital platforms
Commission or brief content from freelance contributors when required
Skills & tools
Copy editing and proofreading
Video editing (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve)
Editorial judgement and fact-checking
AP or house style guide application
Headline and SEO writing
Newsletter platforms (e.g. Mailchimp, Substack)
Social media content formatting
Storytelling and narrative structure
Adobe Creative Suite
Deadline and workflow management
Education & background
Degree in journalism, English, communications, or a related field common, though a strong portfolio and demonstrated editing experience are often equally weighted.
Career path
Typically progresses from Assistant or Staff Editor to Senior Editor, then to Editorial Director or Executive Producer; specialisations include video, copy, newsletters, branded content, or vertical-specific editing (finance, lifestyle, news).
Salary
Median
$95K
USD/yr
Average
$106K
USD/yr
Minimum
$24K
USD/yr
Maximum
$275K
USD/yr
Based on 115 disclosed USD postings · Editor, USD-disclosed