Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for communications editors in the United States
Communications editor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected communications editor job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -5,500 new jobs for communications editors are projected over the next decade.
Communications editor salaries have increased 11% for communications editors in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,349 communications editors currently employed in the United States.
There are 26,267 active communications editor job openings in the US.
The average communications editor salary is $41,611.
Are communications editor jobs in demand?
Communications editor job and salary trends over time
Communications editor jobs over time
Communications editor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,349 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,574 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,701 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,691 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,746 | 0.00% |
Average communications editor salary over time
Communications editor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $41,611 | $20.01 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $40,278 | $19.36 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $39,038 | $18.77 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $38,572 | $18.54 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $37,548 | $18.05 | +2.1% |
Communications editor jobs by state
Most common states for communications editors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 419 | 60% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 132 | 14% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 73 | 13% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 77 | 12% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 82 | 11% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 867 | 10% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 660 | 10% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 587 | 10% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 70 | 9% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 563 | 8% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 329 | 8% |
| 12 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 68 | 8% |
| 13 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,396 | 7% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 218 | 7% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 128 | 7% |
| 16 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 116 | 7% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 97 | 7% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 73 | 7% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 73 | 7% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 221 | 6% |
Most common cities for communications editors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $61,891 |
Communications Editor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of communications editor experts
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Coastal Carolina University
Grand Valley State University
California State University - Sacramento
Saint Mary's College
University of Kentucky
University of San Francisco
Winthrop University
Denison University
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
The University of Findlay
Bowie State University
Wartburg College
California State University - Long Beach
Pennsylvania State University - Abington
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Matthew Turner Ph.D., M.B.A.: Communication is central to pretty much every business and organization so someone with good communication skills will always be employable. The skills acquired in getting a degree in communication are transferable to many different career paths.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Editor?
Erica Haugtvedt Ph.D.: The skills I think that will become more prevalent and important in the next 3-5 years are critical thinking skills. By critical thinking, I mean looking at the big picture and thinking about values, ethics, and thinking ahead to implications and consequences. AI will be able to produce a lot of words, but whether those words are appropriate to the situation, purpose, and context--whether those words are the words that we need--that will be something that only a conscientious and intelligent person can bring to the situation. People who are able to do that should be leaders in any field.
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
David Painter Ph.D.: The communication field continues to rapidly evolve with digital and technological advancements making it a dynamic profession involved in many aspects of our daily lives. Indeed, today’s consumers are the best informed and most empowered in history with online reviews, ratings, and critiques of every imaginable product, service, and experience. In this context, organizations recognize the need for skilled professionals to manage their brand image and convey messages effectively, particularly in today's digital world where public perception can shift quickly. Communication Specialists are crucial in navigating these ever-changing conditions, making it an exciting, rewarding, and in-demand career.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Editor?
Yao Sun: The world has never been so eager for enhanced communication. Individuals, parties, organizations, etc. all need conversations and dialogues to improve the understanding toward each other as well as toward the new challenges that we are facing. Being a Communication Specialist can play an important role in this regard.
Wendy Weinhold Ph.D.
Associate Professor of JournalismCoastal Carolina University
Communication And Media Studies
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wendy Weinhold Ph.D.: Curiosity is the most importantly thing when it comes to skill building. Your college classes have you a solid foundation, but there is always more to learn. Seek out mentors who will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, and be open to opportunities that help you grow.
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: I think the ability to engage and connect with people will be very important in the field as we shift more and more to a culture that is driven by AI. Although AI can be a useful tool, it likely won’t ever fully replace the value of human interaction and connection. In addition, employers often comment that they want to see employees with strong work ethic, and I think this will continue to be the case in 3-5 years. Having a strong work ethic can separate the people that move forward in their careers to those who remain stagnant.
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mikhila Wildey PhD: My general advice for a graduate beginning their career in the field is to work hard, stay open-minded, and network! Most employees won’t stay in the same position for their entire career, and so I often tell graduates to not get too hung up on the first job needing to be the 'perfect' job for them. Often, the first job will be a place where they learn how to navigate the workplace, learn about their own strengths/weaknesses, and figure out what they like and don’t like. I encourage graduates to use this information to help them make decisions about the next steps in their career. And, if they are working hard and networking with people at their job, then opportunities will often times present themselves or be more available to them as they navigate their future career path.
Viola Ardeni
Assistant Professor & Italian Language Area HeadCalifornia State University - Sacramento
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Communications Editor?
Viola Ardeni: To recent graduates in any field, I would recommend making sure they are doing two things: 'Ask questions' and 'Show up.' In the Romance languages, literatures, and linguistics field, asking questions may mean asking for a long of informational interviews, even in places where there are no current jobs openings. You never know what you will learn from talking to someone who is working and has your same degree. Asking questions also means to be present, aware, and critical. Showing up may instead mean trying different things. Besides teaching, there is no clear job following degrees in Romance languages etc. (and even 'teaching' includes a variety of jobs), so taking advantage of different opportunities may come in handy.
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Viola Ardeni: The editing of texts produced by others, above all. Being good editors will be crucial. In addition, to the ability to summarize in short, easy bit very large and complex amounts of information, possibly coming from different linguistic sources. Diplomacy seems also increasingly useful, however you interpret it and wherever you stand politically. Because of the world's areas where Romance languages are mainly used, the political issues associated with those areas, and the lack of institutional support for studies in Romance languages, literatures, and linguistics in the United States, the ability of being diplomatic in navigating people, committees, donors, stakeholders, speakers, etc. is and will be important.
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Viola Ardeni: Negotiate your job offer, even where your position is represented by a labor union (you may negotiate other perks and benefits). I would also recommend considering extremely carefully whether a higher degree in the field (master's or PhD) would enhance your options for a higher salary. The mental, emotional, and financial cost of graduate studies may not make it worth it, if the primary objective is earning more money.
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: Knowing how to brand yourself, both in person and online, is becoming increasingly important. If you're networking at an event, do you have short stories or anecdotes that you can share that help you come across as interesting? A story can tell a listener about your values, work ethics, drive, and competencies much better than you sharing a laundry list of your achievements. The same thing is true when branding yourself online. Another skill is the ability to communicate, even if that sounds simple. Are you able to write a professional email? Can you carry on an intelligent conversation with a potential client? Do you know when to stop talking and actively listen? Are you able to get your message across to diverse audiences? These skills are applicable no matter what job you do.
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Veronica Hefner: I would recommend that a new graduate shows up and does the work to the best of their ability. So much of success is determined by reliability, competency, and effort. Aim to achieve a work/life balance that helps you stay mentally and physically healthy, but realize that means that when you're at work, you need to work. The most successful people are not always the most talented or the most educated, but they are the ones who exert the most effort and ambition. However, when you go home at the end of the day, leave work behind and focus on yourself. Finally, show respect to others. If you disagree with them, or just don't like them, you still need to show respect. Respect diverse people, ideas, perspectives, and consider the experiences you have with people and ideas that are different from your own as a privilege that helps you learn and grow.
Ying Lu Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Kentucky
Hospitality Administration/Management
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ying Lu Ph.D.: Introducing and instructing customers on how to use various tech equipment to have a better consumption experience.
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Ying Lu Ph.D.: Work experience. Gain work experience in the industry as much as possible while studying the degree colleges. If possible, get a promotion to a supervisory position before graduation.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Editor?
Tika Lamsal PhD: Since communication graduates approach the workplaces equipped with effective interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, they can vouch for aspirational positions that become both professionally competitive and individually fulfilling.
Bonnye Stuart
Internship Coordinator, Speech Communication Coordinator, Study Abroad Adviser, Integrated Marketing Communication InstructorWinthrop University
Public Relations, Advertising, And Applied Communication
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bonnye Stuart: Communication skills – in-person and mediated – will become more important as personal communication becomes less frequent and online communication takes center-stage. Analyzing analytics will be crucial as companies and organizations strive to 'really know' their publics behaviors and reach them where they are. Understanding Search Engine Optimization will be a great skill. Writing for a variety of formats – from long form storytelling to blogging will be important. Other skills will include videoing, photography, content creation, website editing and revision and trend watching!
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Zack Stiegler Ph.D.: Having flexibility, willingness to learn new skills, and dedication to the organization can enhance one's value as an employee. Preserving work-life balance is also important to avoid exploitation.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Editor?
Dr. Charles St-Georges Ph.D.: Be sure to communicate to potential employers all the skills you've acquired besides just 'speaking the language.' For example, your study of language and culture has helped you develop strong communication skills in both speaking and writing, and your intercultural competence has enabled you to engage with and learn from diverse populations in positive, productive ways. Your analytical skills are well developed after several years interpreting texts and cultural production across a variety of contexts and in comparison with your own language and culture. You already have significant experience adapting to new systems and learning to function and communicate quickly and effectively within them. Language majors are also uniquely aware of how cross-cultural communication needs to work if it is to happen successfully in an increasingly globalized world, regardless of the language of communication. Take the time to reflect on all the skills you've developed as a language major so you're ready to articulate them and advocate for yourself in a job interview.
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Charles St-Georges Ph.D.: With American K-12 education continuing to gut the humanities and stress the importance of a STEM-only education (which is a false either/or choice, by the way), and with each new generation of college students having fewer and fewer social skills and poorer mental health due in part to an increasingly unhealthy relationship with technology, the workforce will increasingly be looking for college graduates who have people skills: effective communicators who are emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and adept at encountering difference and navigating human complexity. A.I. is not going to provide these skills—especially when it comes to the cross-cultural communication that this increasingly globalized world will require. A quick A.I. translation from language A to language B is not going to facilitate the kind of contextually-savvy, culturally and historically-aware communication needed to combat climate change, deal with the next pandemic, or avert a major armed conflict. Or even effectively sell products, for that matter.
Sheryl McMillan
Senior Research and Outreach Development OfficerTexas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Sheryl McMillan: I am happy to help you. If you could please send me your questions, I will find just the right answers and a faculty quote in plenty of time for your deadline.
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Amy Rogan: People working in journalism probably most dislike the hours and the pay but it’s truly one of the most rewarding fields to work in. It can be stressful but also exciting and challenging. Whether at the local level or a larger stage, it’s truly a service to your community to provide vital information.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Editor?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: Companies expect Communication graduates to be proficient in verbal and written skills, but there is a higher expectation now and moving forward for these graduates. Both hard and soft communication skills will continue to be important for company growth. Communication graduates will be expected to continuously update their proficiency in AI tools, social media platforms, and other technology to engage organizational publics and meet their companies' expectations. Soft communication skills such as active listening, empathy, friendliness, responsiveness, respect for diversity and inclusion, and nonverbal communication will be crucial.
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Rochelle Daniel: My general advice to a graduate who transitions into that first professional job in the Communication field is similar to advice I give Communication students for navigating internship workspaces (Communications Internship Handbook: What HBCU Students Need to Know, 2022). Be intentional about learning the organizational or office culture, really listen to find out what is expected of you, be flexible and adaptable when there are changes in workflow, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Editor?
Dr. Penni Pier: There are a few things I would tell them. Make sure you make the most of your opportunities to network and learn the things about the industry that you do not know. Be mindful that professional development is a lifelong endeavor and that the first year will be a steep learning curve as you are an emerging professional. Take the initiative to learn or practice skill sets that you haven’t quite mastered. Ask for constructive feedback and then incorporate that feedback into your work. Two very practical pieces of advice that I try to tell my students: 1. Never surprise your boss. Keep them in the loop. If you make a mistake own up to it quickly and ask for feedback regarding how to avoid the mistake in the future and 2. Do not overpromise and under deliver. It is instinctual to want to please your supervisor and not let them down, but you must understand your own capacity, under delivering is ultimately more disappointing than understanding and setting your limits at the outset.
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Penni Pier: You must be confident in the skill sets you have and negotiate for a beginning salary that is commensurate with your skills. A lot of emerging professionals shy away from negotiation (or making the right fit for that matter) because they are afraid of turning down a job. Interviews and the first series of negotiations set the tone for the relationship you will have with your employer. You also must be willing to look in geographic areas and related industries that need your skill sets to make give you the most opportunities to be choosy with your first professional position. While at your first position, it is important to make sure that your portfolio stays current, and they you are continuing to do professional development. Be proactive and learn (or enhance) any skills you find lacking. Work on client interaction and how to be a good collaborator with your colleagues. If you do these things and there is room for advancement with the organization that first hired, you this will give you a “leg up” in terms of salary potential. If there is not opportunity for advancement a first position will give you tangible work experience for your portfolio and an opportunity to practice your skills which in turn will make you more marketable if or when you decide to move on.
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Penni Pier: I wholeheartedly believe the same skills that have been important over the past 50. You need to be a good storyteller, a good writer, and a good researcher. Technology will change, the mediums will change, but the skills of being able to research, use your resources and tell a compelling story that touches the heart of your consumer or target audience remains constant.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Editor?
Dr. Nick DiFrancesco: Communication- many grads lack even basic communication skills such as presenting, writing, or conversation; the industry is going to be seeking out not just the best and brightest, individuals who are personable, can relate and have rational discussions with others. The inability to engage in conversation and debate, or network with others is a serious issue among students, and these are skills that are absolutely vital to any professional.
Dr. Nancy Meyer MA MA PhD
Lecturer in ClassicsCalifornia State University - Long Beach
Classics And Classical Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What will help Communications Editors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Nancy Meyer MA MA PhD: Do the research! And, be able to clearly articulate your value. This is especially true for women, and doubly so for women of color who most often get shafted on salary! Women are never assumed to be needed or intelligent in the same way that (white) men are. We have to make our case with data. Know your value, but don’t assume anyone else will know it. Do the research and find out what people at your level in that field get paid and then MAKE YOUR CASE, clearly.
Melvin Gupton PhD
Associate Teaching ProfessorPennsylvania State University - Abington
Business/Corporate Communications
What Communications Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Melvin Gupton PhD: Thank you for reaching out to us regarding expectations for business communication. Though different from what we consider Corporate Communication, I would be glad to answer any questions you have.