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This question is about what a copy editor does and copy editor.
Can I make a living as a copy editor?
Yes, you can make a living as a copy editor. Some copy editing jobs pay well, like at publishing houses, media companies, or companies that create manuals and large documents. Working as a copy editor for a small newspaper or even freelancing may not be as lucrative. It all depends on where you work.
A copywriter makes, on average, $47,975 a year ($23 an hour). While this isn't great money, it is enough to get by depending on where you live. There are many different types of copy editor positions and specialties that impact how much a copy editor can make.
For example, a copy editor working at one of the big five publishing houses - Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins. Simon and Schuster or MacMillan can expect to earn between $55,000 to $65,000 a year.
In contrast, a freelance copy editor averages around $48,526 a year or around $1,000 to $3,000 per project.
Copywriters who specialize in a specific area can stand to earn the most money. A science copy editor, for example, averages $62,440 a year.
Within the field of science, a copy editor can focus on more specialized services such as architectural and engineering services, averaging $62,210 a year. The average is 65,580 a year in scientific research and development, while those working in pharmaceuticals make $70,320.
At a scientific or technical consulting service, a copy editor can earn almost $62,000 a year, while at a navigational or control instruments manufacturer, a copy editor averaged $64,490 a year.
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