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Job outlook for copy editor and staff writers in the United States
Are copy editor and staff writer jobs in demand?
Copy editor and staff writer job and salary trends over time
Copy editor and staff writer jobs over time
Copy editor and staff writer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 689 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 725 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 745 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 743 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 752 | 0.00% |
Average copy editor and staff writer salary over time
Copy editor and staff writer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $63,302 | $30.43 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $61,275 | $29.46 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $59,388 | $28.55 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $58,679 | $28.21 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $57,122 | $27.46 | +2.1% |
Copy editor and staff writer jobs by state
Most common states for copy editor and staff writers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 355 | 51% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,491 | 22% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 157 | 15% |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,753 | 14% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 822 | 14% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 585 | 14% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 85 | 14% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 159 | 12% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,429 | 11% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 990 | 11% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 926 | 11% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 817 | 11% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 637 | 11% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 334 | 11% |
| 15 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 153 | 11% |
| 16 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,897 | 10% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 558 | 10% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 191 | 10% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 100 | 10% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 56 | 10% |
Copy Editor And Staff Writer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of copy editor and staff writer experts
California State University - Sacramento
Manhattan College
Adrian College
Furman University
Berry College
Kean University
California State University, Fresno
Kansas State University
The University of Kentucky
Indiana University Northwest
University of South Florida
California University of Pennsylvania
Illinois Wesleyan University
Cal Poly
University of Kansas
Bates College
Bucknell University
Bucknell University
University of Minnesota
Viola Ardeni
Assistant Professor & Italian Language Area HeadCalifornia State University - Sacramento
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Copy Editor And Staff Writer?
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.
Dr. Heidi Laudien Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorManhattan College
English Language And Literature
What general advice would you give to a Copy Editor And Staff Writer?
Dr. Heidi Laudien Ph.D.: I do not feel equipped to give informed advice on how to maximize one's salary potential.
What will help Copy Editor And Staff Writers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Heidi Laudien Ph.D.: I do not feel equipped to give informed advice on what skills might be necessary in the next 3-5 years.
What will help Copy Editor And Staff Writers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Christy Mesaros-Winckles Ph.D.: In the next few years, it will be imperative for writers to excel not only in generating original ideas but also in their prowess as editors. With the increasing integration of language-model AI tools in various workplaces, what distinguishes an outstanding writer from a mediocre one is their ability to leverage AI as an editing aid. Graduates wanting to enter writing-intensive careers will need to also effectively craft an elevator pitch to prospective explaining how their contributions as a writer provide distinctive, creative value that surpasses what AI can independently produce.
What general advice would you give to a Copy Editor And Staff Writer?
Dr. Christy Mesaros-Winckles Ph.D.: Diversity in both experience and writing styles is essential. Aspiring graduates aiming for careers in professional writing should possess proficiency across various writing styles, ranging from business communication to journalistic reporting. Additionally, they should be well-versed in the prevalent style guides across diverse disciplines.
Professor Margaret Oakes
Professor of EnglishFurman University
English Language And Literature
What will help Copy Editor And Staff Writers increase their earning potential?
Professor Margaret Oakes: Our graduates have such a variety of careers with an English major that this is hard to answer. But perhaps this is the answer - English majors have such widely applicable skills that they need to be alert to how they can be applied almost anywhere, and be prepared to sell their skills to a potential employer.
Whitney Adams
Visiting Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and WritingBerry College
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What general advice would you give to a Copy Editor And Staff Writer?
Whitney Adams: An individual entering the writing field may do the following tasks daily:
1. Researching and brainstorming ideas for new articles, stories, or projects
2. Writing and editing content for various platforms, including websites, blogs,
newspapers, magazines, or social media
3. Pitching ideas and articles to editors or clients
4. Conducting interviews with sources for articles or stories
5. Collaborating with other writers, editors, and team members
6. Reviewing and editing drafts of their work
7. Engaging with readers and followers on social media
8. Marketing and promoting their work
9. Attending writing workshops, events, or networking opportunities
10.Keeping up to date with industry trends and news in the writing field
What Copy Editor And Staff Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Whitney Adams: 1. Demand for content: With the rise of digital marketing, social media, and online
publications, there is a high demand for content creators and writers. Companies need
quality written content to attract and engage their audience.
2. Remote work opportunities: Writing is a flexible profession that can often be done
remotely. This allows writers to work from anywhere in the world, making it a great
profession for those who value freedom and flexibility.
3. Growth potential: As a writer, there are many opportunities for growth and
advancement. Writers can specialize in different niches, such as copywriting, technical
writing, or content marketing, and can continue to develop their skills and expertise over
time.
4. Passive income potential: Writers can also generate passive income through
avenues such as self-publishing books, creating online courses, or starting a blog. This
allows writers to earn money even when they are not actively working.
5. Creative fulfillment: For many people, writing is a fulfilling and rewarding profession
that allows them to express their creativity and share their ideas with others. Writing can
be a way to inspire, educate, and connect with others on a deeper level.
Overall, writing is a good profession to enter now because of the high demand for
content, remote work opportunities, growth potential, passive income potential, and
creative fulfillment it can provide.
What do people dislike about being a writer?
1. Writer's block: Writer's block is a common challenge that many writers face,
where they struggle to come up with new ideas or find inspiration.
2. Criticism and rejection: Writing can be a vulnerable and subjective art form, and
writers may face criticism or rejection from publishers, readers, or reviewers.
3. Isolation: Writing can be a solitary pursuit, and some writers may find the
isolation challenging.
4. Inconsistency: Writing can often be unpredictable in terms of income and
success, with some writers facing financial
What will help Copy Editor And Staff Writers increase their earning potential?
Whitney Adams: The day-to-day activities of a writer can vary depending on the type of writing they are
engaged in (e.g., fiction, non-fiction, journalism, technical writing, blogging, copywriting,
etc.). However, some common tasks that writers may engage in daily include:
1. Researching and brainstorming ideas for writing projects
2. Writing and drafting content
3. Editing and revising drafts
4. Collaborating with editors, clients, or other team members
5. Conducting interviews or gathering information for articles or stories
6. Pitching ideas to publications or clients
7. Managing deadlines and keeping track of assignments
8. Promoting their work through social media
9. Networking with other writers, editors, or industry professionals
10.Reading and staying current on industry trends and developments
11.Creating and editing project manuals
12.Creating and editing instructional guides
What Copy Editor And Staff Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Frank Argote-Freyre: It is important to take part in a variety of internships prior to entering the workplace. You need to invest in yourself. Many of these internships might provide no pay or low pay but they are essential to gaining experience. This will allow a candidate to begin their career search with experience in the field. This makes them a more valuable asset to an employer. Language acquisition is also important. US society is diverse so the ability to reach more diverse language communities is a big plus.
What general advice would you give to a Copy Editor And Staff Writer?
Catherine Wilbur: The best way to maximize salary earnings is to complete the highest level of education in your chosen field. The average salary for someone with a bachelor's degree in English is around $59,124 per year, while someone with a master's degree in English can expect to earn around $69,732 per year.
What Copy Editor And Staff Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Catherine Wilbur: Even with the advancement of AI, among the most essential competencies are the ability to think critically and solve problems, to effectively both orally and in writing, to assess and analyze information, and to exercise curiosity and imagination. One recent study showed that college graduates spend, on average, 44% of their time writing, including letters, memos, short reports, instructional materials, and professional articles and essays. Additionally, even as people use generative AI to draft documents, they still need to be edited and proofread by a person to ensure that they are accurate and contain no biased information.
What will help Copy Editor And Staff Writers increase their earning potential?
Catherine Wilbur: For advice, find something you're passionate about. Not all English majors want to be teachers, and that's ok. There are 100s of other career paths for English majors. Such as lawyers, copyeditors, speechwriters, journalists, politicians, business, etc. Explore the different jobs out there that you may be qualified for with an English degree.
Betsy Hays
ChairCalifornia State University, Fresno
Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Copy Editor And Staff Writer job market given the pandemic?
Betsy Hays: Having the ability to successfully work remotely will be more important than ever, as will being able to effectively communicate in virtual spaces. And, post-pandemic, being able to do things in a hybrid fashion - part in person and part online - will also make job candidates much more marketable.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Copy Editor And Staff Writers?
Naomi Wood Ph.D.: Yes. There can't help but be one - just as there was an impact on graduates during the 2008 financial crisis. Graduates will be forced to improvise, be entrepreneurial, and be creative.
What I will add about English and other humanities majors is that they are particularly well-suited to deal with this level of chaos and uncertainty because they have always known they're going to have to explore and grow. There is no one path to follow - and our graduates vindicate our confidence that they can find their way!
Jeff Rice Ph.D.
Professor, ChairThe University of Kentucky
Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies
What skills stand out on Copy Editor And Staff Writer resumes?
Jeff Rice Ph.D.: Research skills. Written and digital communication skills. Knowledge of digital tools - whether Adobe products, podcasting software, and such - but also how to use the tools to reach audiences, create sticky content, develop brands, send information, persuade, and inform. It's one thing to know how to create a movie or poster or infographic or report or Instagram post; it's another thing to have the rhetorical and writing skills to properly use that tool to create information for a specific audience.
Brian O'Camb Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair in EnglishIndiana University Northwest
English Department
What experience really stands out on Copy Editor And Staff Writer resumes?
Brian O'Camb Ph.D.: Honestly, I am not qualified to respond to that question because I don't hire recent graduates, so I don't see resumes from them. However, as a professor, I recommend that all my students get as much writing experience as possible, ideally through an internship, so they can lean on that experience in their job materials.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Copy Editor And Staff Writers?
Brian O'Camb Ph.D.: Without a doubt. As employers come to realize that many jobs can be done remotely, I imagine graduates can expect a significant shift in how they connect and collaborate with colleagues in the workplace. And, as industries adapt to non-contact models during the pandemic, there will be space for graduates trained in critical thinking and reading skills to reimagine how various services and suppliers connect with their clients.
What type of skills will young Copy Editor And Staff Writers need?
Dr. Wilma Davidson: According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), there are 20 skills listed to increase their value in the workplace. Yearly, NACE surveys employers and ranks these skills and, according to their latest survey, the top five skills new graduates should possess are the following:
Problem-solving
Ability to work on a team
Strong work ethic
Analytic/quantitative skill
Written communication skills
For several decades, the ability to write well has appeared near the top of NACE's list of skills valued by employees. And, I suspect, it will remain among the top for decades to come. Writing, so your ideas and plans are understandable and actionable, is the secret sauce of your workplace success. No matter how good your idea is, if you cannot communicate it easily to another, you won't receive the attention and accolades you deserve.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Copy Editor And Staff Writers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Wilma Davidson: All businesses need good writers. You can work remotely as a freelancer or an employee without concern about where your employer is located. Technology makes it easy for an excellent writer to write productively from anywhere. Naturally, if you wish to enter a field like PR or Advertising or Editing/Publishing, you might want to live in a large city where major firms are located. However, right that advice might have been a decade ago, it no longer applies. If you'd like to be a technical writer, there is an advantage to being close to the engineers you may be working with as you write their manuals, but that can be handled-and already is-being handled remotely.
How do you envision technology impacting Copy Editor And Staff Writers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Wilma Davidson: Technology will make it easier to communicate remotely, and software programs will continue to evolve, creating a writer's output easy to publish, edit, and reach an audience. The hard part will be keeping up and being knowledgeable about the programs available and used by different companies.
What type of skills will young Copy Editor And Staff Writers need?
Dr. Christina Fisanick: College graduates in 2021 and beyond, need all of the skills that English programs have to offer: critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, and flexibility. New hires need to be able to adapt to workplace changes quickly and with aplomb, which requires critical thinking and problem solving and the ability to communicate those solutions to a diverse audience clearly and effectively. Those skills are refined and practiced regularly in English programs.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Copy Editor And Staff Writers to find work opportunities?
Joanne Diaz Ph.D.: Quite often, people assume that teaching is the only professional path available to students who major in English. While we are delighted when English majors pursue careers in education, our graduates go on to a wide range of careers in law, journalism, public relations, marketing, information technology, library science, public policy, museum curation, and publishing.
English, like all of the humanities disciplines (Philosophy, Religion, History, and Classics), prepares students to read, write, listen, and persuade well; in addition, these disciplines help students to create habits of mind. These are the graduates who are flexible, resilient, and adaptable. Those last three descriptors are incredibly important for students who are entering the workforce in the twenty-first century.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Copy Editor And Staff Writers?
Eileen Buecher: I believe there will be an impact on all of us. Work will look differently as I see some of the creative initiatives higher education and industries have taken to keep people safe and support the economy flowing may be integrated into how we provide services and do our jobs long-term. COVID teaches new graduates how to be resourceful, resilient, and flexible for both individual and uncertain times.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Copy Editor And Staff Writers to find work opportunities?
Eileen Buecher: The majority of our students live and work in California. In addition to CA, the top ten states recruiting Cal Poly English majors by the above-mentioned job functions include: New York, Washington DC, Texas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Washington, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio
How do you envision technology impacting Copy Editor And Staff Writers in the next 5 years?
Eileen Buecher: Technology is impacting all career fields. Knowledge of various communication and business platforms, social media, and ways to network online in the future.
Dr. Tara Welch
ProfessorUniversity of Kansas
Department of Humanities - Classics
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Copy Editor And Staff Writers?
Dr. Tara Welch: There will be an enduring impact on everyone, graduates included. Our graduates are facing a slow economy and a transformation in higher education, but Classics and Archaeology majors are well trained for these circumstances. Classics is an interdisciplinary field and teaches us to look at problems and questions from a variety of perspectives, so Classics majors are versatile and adaptable. We also learn in Classics how to make the most of the limited and often incomplete data. Reconstructing a toppled monument or understanding a fragmentary poem involves some sleuthing and a great deal of logic and critical thinking. Our majors read carefully and work carefully - and they don't shy from complex situations.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Copy Editor And Staff Writers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Tara Welch: The qualities I just described are applicable anywhere, anytime, and in any field. For those who wish to work directly in Classics - in teaching Latin or ancient history, for example, or in participating in archaeological digs -an advanced degree (PhD, MA, or MEd) is generally required. Most people who work directly in Classics relocate for their job, but most of our graduates work in other fields - publishing, museums, research and analysis, libraries, education,government, politics, etc. - and can find good opportunities where they are.
How do you envision technology impacting Copy Editor And Staff Writers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Tara Welch: Technology has already made the ancient world more available and accessible, and digital resources and research tools enable exciting new work to happen without the need to travel. Teachers are also becoming more effective at leading online and hybrid classes. Those are here to stay. In the present climate of social distancing and digital meetings, however, I see a craving for human interaction - those exchanges that remind us that we are spontaneous, creative, and responsive beings. No matter the technology, Classics (like all of the humanities) will always be about humans.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Copy Editor And Staff Writers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Daniel Sanford: What I've seen in college students during this period of intense upheaval is a stronger desire than ever to engage with the world in positive ways. More than ever, the world needs people to work to effect positive change. That happens in fields that are organized around the idea of impacting society and nature in positive ways (e.g., medicine, social advocacy, community organizing, conservation), and those fields are also growing and great places to start a career. But it also happens everywhere, and now more than ever, through writing. The ability to use effective rhetoric (the art of persuasion, built around understanding one's audience) in social media and web writing is incredibly important in engaging with the challenges the world is facing. It's also highly employable!
Sarah Bell
Senior Associate Director, CounselingBucknell University
Center for Career Advancement
How do you envision technology impacting Copy Editor And Staff Writers in the next 5 years?
Sarah Bell: As mentioned in #2, English majors go into many fields, and technology is affecting most of them now. We will likely always need creators, editors, and researchers of content, which will certainly make English majors useful in a variety of fields, due to (or in spite of) the technology advances. Experience in learning and utilizing a variety of software, platforms, and social media tools will only enhance their ability to complete their work in an effective and efficient manner in a variety of work settings.
Sarah Bell
Senior Associate Director, CounselingBucknell University
Center for Career Advancement
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Copy Editor And Staff Writers to find work opportunities?
Sarah Bell: Majors in English successfully pursue work in all types of industries and career fields. Their skills in writing, critical thinking, verbal communication, analysis, working in groups, editing, and reading/research makes them quite marketable in a variety of occupations. There are some locations that are more known for certain industries, i.e., upper West Coast for technology, NYC metro area for finance, I-95 corridor for pharmaceuticals and biotech, but many corporations hire in locations all over the country. And with the pandemic, more employers have remote opportunities that don't require a move, at least not until the time we might move out of remote work when possible. We tell our students to talk to professionals in the industries in which they are interested to learn what areas are growing right now and what are not. For example, video and sharing software is growing, food manufacturing, shipping, and sales are growing, certain sectors of healthcare and medical research are growing, etc.
How do you envision technology impacting Copy Editor And Staff Writers in the next 5 years?
Sarah Bell: As mentioned in #2, English majors go into many fields, and technology is affecting most of them now. We will likely always need creators, editors, and researchers of content, which will certainly make English majors useful in a variety of fields, due to (or in spite of) the technology advances. Experience in learning and utilizing a variety of software, platforms, and social media tools will only enhance their ability to complete their work in an effective and efficient manner in a variety of work settings.
What general advice would you give to a Copy Editor And Staff Writer?
Thomas Reynolds: I think there will be a lasting impact of this pandemic on graduates. The nature of the field is that others in the industry (scientists, engineers, for ex.) often take on tech writing and communication tasks in tight economic conditions or even just as a matter of a particular culture in a particular business. However, the field of technical communication has been predicted to have a strong future (see Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts growth in jobs in this field).
Technical writing and communication require that students are comfortable with technology and communication and that they adapt to changing situations. I think there are also opportunities for savvy graduates who can offer certain skills and experiences that are unique to the changing situation. This field has a long history of resilience for its graduates seeking jobs in tough circumstances.