There are currently an estimated 115,800 editors in the United States. The editor job market is expected to grow by 0.6% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are editors?

CareerExplorer rates editors with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 700 editors.

Are editors in demand?

Due to a general decline in the publishing industry, competition for editor jobs, especially those with established newspapers and magazines, is projected to be very robust. Coveted positions with major broadcasting and publishing firms tend to be concentrated in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. The best jobs in all locations, however, will go to candidates who possess technical and internet proficiency and are adept at editing and writing online digital content. Editors who supplement their journalism or communications degree with training in electronic publishing, graphics, multimedia production, and Web design will have a definite edge securing a position in a field with shrinking prospects. Aspiring editors will expand their employability by looking beyond magazines and newspapers and considering employment or freelance opportunities presented by publishing companies, marketing and advertising firms, political groups, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. These sectors frequently need trained editors to review, refine, clarify, and finalize a variety of documents for publication.

What’s the supply of editors?

The editor industry is concentrated in New York, California, Texas

Editor job market by state

State Name Employed Editors
New York 16,800
California 14,830
Texas 6,460
Illinois 4,560
Florida 3,790
District of Columbia 3,310
Pennsylvania 3,240
Massachusetts 3,100
Virginia 2,720
New Jersey 2,120
Minnesota 1,970
Georgia 1,920
North Carolina 1,870
Washington 1,860
Maryland 1,850
Colorado 1,830
Ohio 1,800
Michigan 1,690
Wisconsin 1,510
Tennessee 1,390
Oregon 1,110
Connecticut 1,050
Iowa 900
Missouri 880
Indiana 830
Arizona 820
Utah 590
Alabama 530
Oklahoma 500
South Carolina 500
Kansas 500
Kentucky 490
Nebraska 360
Rhode Island 340
Louisiana 330
Maine 300
Mississippi 290
West Virginia 260
Arkansas 260
New Hampshire 250
Vermont 240
New Mexico 230
Idaho 230
North Dakota 200
Montana 200
Delaware 170
South Dakota 140
Wyoming 110
Hawaii 100
Alaska 60