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Job outlook for executive editors in the United States
Executive editor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected executive editor job growth rate is -5% from 2018-2028.
About -5,500 new jobs for executive editors are projected over the next decade.
Executive editor salaries have increased 11% for executive editors in the last 5 years.
There are over 34,167 executive editors currently employed in the United States.
There are 75,810 active executive editor job openings in the US.
The average executive editor salary is $110,541.
Are executive editor jobs in demand?
Executive editor job and salary trends over time
Executive editor jobs over time
Executive editor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 34,167 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 35,933 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 36,934 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 36,849 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 37,288 | 0.01% |
Average executive editor salary over time
Executive editor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $110,541 | $53.14 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $107,002 | $51.44 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $103,706 | $49.86 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $102,468 | $49.26 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $99,749 | $47.96 | +2.1% |
Executive editor jobs by state
Most common states for executive editors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 181 | 11% |
| 2 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 680 | 10% |
| 3 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 292 | 9% |
| 4 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 257 | 9% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 66 | 9% |
| 6 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 546 | 8% |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 483 | 8% |
| 8 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 369 | 8% |
| 9 | New York | 19,849,399 | 0 | 0% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 0 | 0% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 0 | 0% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 0 | 0% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 0 | 0% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 0 | 0% |
| 15 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 0 | 0% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 0 | 0% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 0 | 0% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 0 | 0% |
| 19 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 0 | 0% |
| 20 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 0 | 0% |
Most common cities for executive editors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $135,548 |
| 2 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $34,441 |
| 3 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $48,633 |
| 4 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $113,672 |
Executive Editor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of executive editor experts
California State University - Sacramento
The University of Findlay
Georgia State University
New Mexico State University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Our Lady of the Lake University
American University
Butler University
University of Oregon
Belmont University
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Furman University
University of New Mexico
California State University, Fresno
Lincoln University
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Kansas State University
The University of Kentucky
University of Central Missouri
The University of Kansas
Viola Ardeni
Assistant Professor & Italian Language Area HeadCalifornia State University - Sacramento
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to an Executive 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 Executive 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 Executive 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 will help Executive 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 Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Helen Cauley Ph.D.: The need for people who can tell accurate, engrossing stories in a variety of media is increasing. That means being able to write concisely, speak with authority and take photos/video/sound that engage an audience. Don’t expect to have a camera crew or editor at your elbow. The more proficient you can be in mastering those tasks, the more valuable you will be.
What will help Executive Editors increase their earning potential?
Darren Phillips M.A.: Maximizing salary potential as a media professional starts with everything I’ve already mentioned. Journalists and even PR and advertising professionals must be extremely well informed on a broad range of topics. This starts with reading and just being a voracious media consumer. This also requires one to think critically, to consume media from disparate sources, to not shy away from contrarian viewpoints, and to work hard and in good faith to synthesize information responsibly. This ties in with maintaining strict allegiance to industry best practices including media ethics. Reputation is everything. Make sure your employers, prospective employers, and clients all understand and appreciate your professional integrity and just your commitment to truth and accuracy. Moreover, embrace change, lean into technological change, and become a bit of a techno geek. Work hard making contacts and building a professional network. Work hard, generally. Hard work goes a long way in any vocation. Beyond that, attend industry conferences, pay close attention to your online presence, curate your social media profiles carefully and put some real time and thought into things like your LinkedIn profile and online portfolio. Lastly, don’t be put off by rejection. Rejection comes with the territory in any competitive career field. Believe in yourself, stay positive, stay open minded, learn all you can, read like crazy, keep grinding, and success will follow eventually.
What Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Students will need to become more digital and Social Media savvy. As digital platforms continue to reshape how audiences consume news and information, digital and social media proficiency will be increasingly crucial. However, Multimedia Storytelling must be a cornerstone of our industry. Integrating multimedia elements such as video, audio, graphics, and interactive elements will become more prevalent in broadcast journalism. Professionals who can tell compelling stories using a combination of multimedia formats will be in high demand. I always encourage students to enroll in Data Visualization courses. The ability to extract meaningful insights from data and present them visually engagingly will help broadcasters provide deeper insights and context to their stories. We must remember Mobile Journalism (MoJo). Using your mobile devices to capture, edit, and publish news content will become a standard for journalists. Last but not least, journalists must build meaningful connections with audiences through interactive storytelling, live chats, audience polls, and user-generated content will become increasingly important. Broadcasters who can foster active engagement and dialogue with their audience will be able to cultivate loyal viewership and build community around their content.
What will help Executive Editors increase their earning potential?
Alfredo Sanchez ACUE: Let’s be honest. Your chances of becoming a millionaire in this broadcast industry are slim. Most recently graduated students in the news industry would likely move to a middle-of-nowhere market to start their careers. The pay will not be great, but the opportunities to gain valuable experience will be unique. However, there are some tips you should consider. For example, make sure you research the industry standards. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or industry-specific salary surveys can provide valuable insights into salary ranges for different positions. Also, make sure that you highlight your skills and experience during your interview. Negotiate with confidence. Feel free to negotiate your salary offer. Remember that in addition to your salary, consider negotiating other benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, vacation time, and professional development opportunities. It would be best to stay updated on industry trends impacting the demand for specific skills and expertise. Networking with industry professionals, mentors, and colleagues can provide valuable insights into salary trends, job openings, and potential career advancement opportunities. Of course, you must be willing to relocate. In some cases, being open to relocating to markets with higher demand for broadcast professionals can increase your salary potential.
What general advice would you give to an Executive Editor?
Ms. Amanda Brown: I'd suggest developing a resilient mindset. Journalism can be tough, often influenced by networking and chance rather than just skill. Don't let criticism discourage you; the industry is vast. Keep pushing forward, and you'll discover your niche where you feel at home.
Assistant Amy Eisman
Assistant ProfessorAmerican University
Arts, Entertainment, And Media Management
What general advice would you give to an Executive Editor?
Assistant Amy Eisman: One skill is easy: be flexible. The technology is changing at lightning speed. At the moment, it helps to be strong at data journalism and understanding emergent technology, such as AI. Topic areas of interest include climate coverage, health and education. It also helps to be a great team player; the speed of news means you rarely work alone. Overall, make sure you embrace the basics in the field: accuracy, fairness, transparency, independence and accountability. Be a solid writer and an even better editor and producer. No one can predict what is next for technology. Employers therefore will look for people who uphold the values of the past, are enthusiastic about the present and are curious about the future.
What Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Valenzano III: Entering the field of journalism right now could seem like a daunting task, but if you approach it with the curiosity, tenacity and understanding that led you to the profession you will be successful. Do not be afraid to start at a small paper, magazine, or outlet. Good work breeds new opportunities, and so don’t write for what you think the reputation of the outlet is; rather write the best stories you can for your audience. If you make mistakes—and you will—own them, acknowledge them, fix them if you can, and use them to grow. Above all, do not ever stop writing. The best free throw shooters in basketball practice their craft every day. Writing is your craft, practice it. Finally, read and then read more. Reading makes you a better writer.
What will help Executive Editors increase their earning potential?
Joseph Valenzano III: In the developing field of journalism some classic skills will never cease to be important, but new skills will also become more essential. Writing and the ability to edit your own work will always be crucial to a journalist, as will fact-checking and copyediting. Clean, accurate, engaging writing and the ability to interview and engage with sources and stories will always be the coin of the realm. That said, more and more journalists need to be well versed in multimedia skills and social media. Writing in these formats is different than writing in column spaces for a paper, and so learning how to translate stories to these media is becoming a skill that separates good journalists from great ones. Additionally, video skills such as editing and shooting for short formats is also becoming more important as journalists are often asked to do most, if not all, of the tasks associated with producing a video story.
What will help Executive Editors increase their earning potential?
Damian Radcliffe: I believe that a lot of core journalistic skills will remain important. That means having a strong news sense, being able to write well, the ability to produce content for multiple platforms and understanding ethics and media law.
What general advice would you give to an Executive Editor?
Sara Wigal M.A.: Listen up. Sitting in on meetings where you aren't working is a learning experience and way to better understand everyone else's tasks and how the company works. It's great ammunition for asking considerate questions, which help you learn and also help you put a good foot forward in earning respect from more senior colleagues. Also, read widely, and if you're not a non-fiction reader, try to read a little bit of that too! Self-help, business books, even topical reading can help you grow (and makes you a much more interesting person to talk to). Don't stress reading all the "big books" but rather develop your personal taste while keeping general tabs on what is happening in the literary world.
What Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Wigal M.A.: Most entry-level salaries in publishing are non-negotiable-they're based on hardline budgets. If you are looking for wiggle room for that first job in terms of compensation, you should ask, but be prepared to instead look to the benefits package for ensuring you receive the maximum. After 1-2 years you should be able to negotiate a wage increase. This is a bit different from some other entertainment industries, but I don't see it changing particularly soon for most publishing companies. Most people in publishing have a great skill set they can use to freelance even at an earlier stage in their career if they need to.
What will help Executive Editors increase their earning potential?
Sara Wigal M.A.: Even as we experience a second digital revolution, many of the same skills that publishing professionals have used for decades are pertinent. Developmental editing or keen and creative marketing management have been skills that carry many people through their careers, and that won't change. Being an excellent communicator in both written word (hello, email) and in person is also a way to set yourself apart from your peers, and that's nothing new. Having a growth mindset is vital (and sometimes hard to do, but worth it). Understanding how to collect, analyze and disseminate data is becoming more important in publishing and is requisite in marketing positions. For those who want to work in social media, video production skills are key.
Natalie Becerra
Career Development SpecialistUniversity of Nebraska - Lincoln
Journalism
What Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Natalie Becerra: I think some very important skills that will be important to have are resourcefulness and research skills. Especially in the journalism and media industries everything is very trend driven. That means people need to have better research-backed strategies if they want to see long-term, sustainable success. It will be hard to just rely on clickbait and bandwagoning forever, so people should sharpen their research skills and foster a sense of curiosity and resourcefulness to dig deeper and find information for themselves.
Professor Margaret Oakes
Professor of EnglishFurman University
English Language And Literature
What general advice would you give to an Executive Editor?
Professor Margaret Oakes: Understand that you should be looking at a salary mid-career, not right now. And look at the possibility for promotion in your place of work - a small family business will not be able to or be interested in promoting you to a leadership position, so think about if you will need to move up or out.
What Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Margaret Oakes: The ability to read carefully and analytically. This is a skill that has declined in the past couple of decades as people obtain more information visually - but a visual presentation cannot carry the amount of detail that written language can, and carelessness in the use of language causes a world of problems in every area of human life (law, medicine, politics, etc.).
What will help Executive Editors 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.
Kate Cunningham
Multimedia communication instructorUniversity of New Mexico
Department of Communication and Journalism
What skills will help Executive Editors earn the most?
Kate Cunningham: In some cases, more specialized skills like website development or data science can be useful toward earning more. Some newsrooms offer bilingual bonuses for staff with fluency in other languages.
Leadership ability and positions in management also could lead to higher salaries within the field.
What soft skills should all Executive Editors possess?
Kate Cunningham: Good journalists use a variety of soft skills, but I think curiosity is chief among them. You've got to be curious about the world around you to produce a variety of stories. It's not just writing about the things that are happening in your community. It's asking why those things are happening. Are they trends or just one-time things? If a new law is passed to crack down on a certain crime, for example, it's figuring out if that crime was frequently happening or if there is another reason behind the move.
Along with curiosity about your community, interest in continuing to learn about journalism itself is important. Journalists can't cover City Hall, for example, how they might have 20 years ago, and it will be different in another five years. Being open-minded and realizing that storytelling itself has changed -- and will change -- is paramount.
Collaboration with other people in the newsroom is another soft skill to have. By that, I mean not just working with other reporters but visual journalists or the graphics team. Coincidentally, the more departments you work with, the better your story might be presented to and understood by people in your audience.
Other soft skills that are important include critical thinking and observation.
Betsy Hays
ChairCalifornia State University, Fresno
Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Executive Editor 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.
What Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Betsy Hays: Study the successes and failures of others so you can learn best practices based on real life. And practice being a content creator. Write, take photos, create graphics, produce videos - practice sharing information and telling stories in a myriad of ways. And when you have some good stuff, share it publicly (blog, YouTube channel, social media, podcast, etc.) to learn what people respond to. And monitor trends. There are also a number of free or low-cost certifications that you can obtain as well. And one more - volunteer for a cause you believe in to make the world a better place while learning new skills.
What general advice would you give to an Executive Editor?
Betsy Hays: Do informational interviews to build your network. Ask folks about their career path, the scope of their jobs, their biggest successes, advice they have for someone just starting out, etc. And then ask if they have ideas for other people that would be good to talk to. And then keep going! Also, be obsessed with thank you notes.
What soft skills should all Executive Editors possess?
Jason Whittaker Ph.D.: Among the key skills for graduates, some of these remain the same as before, particularly in terms of being able to communicate clearly, analyse information, and engage creatively with problem solving. The past year, however, has really brought to the fore the importance of resilience in our students, especially as they will need to be even more flexible as their careers develop in the future. We spend a considerable amount of time working on building confidence among our students, so that rather than being overwhelmed by rapid change they see this as a challenge and opportunity.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Executive Editors?
Patricia Hastings: I think there will be some enduring impacts on graduating journalism students in a number of ways. Right now, there are some obstacles to negotiate. The first is the jobs situation. First, many newsrooms don't have internships right now, and so students can't get that extra experience that will ultimately help them land a job. I see seniors who have some, but not enough experience and they need that last push outside of the classroom and campus media. Without that, it makes job hunting more difficult. Of course, there are the economic issues. So many places have downsized their newsrooms and that is a problem. Graduates have to be nimble, too, in terms of having a good toolbox of skills. Now, if you want a job, go into TV news producing. You can't find enough people to fill what is out there. There are TV news reporting jobs out there as well. It comes down to networking and having a "reel" or examples of your work to show.
And then there are the impacts we don't know. Many staffers are working from home. Will jobs change so more reporters work from home? How do you balance that with the fact that reporters should be out covering stories? The pandemic is causing a rethink on the office of the future-space, risk and other areas that we can only guess at right now.
What type of skills will young Executive Editors need?
Patricia Hastings: Young graduates will need a few skills outside of the usual ones for a good journalism job. They will have to be able to interview for jobs via Zoom or whatever system is used. That's a different skill set than being in person. I also believe students will have to work harder to "brand" themselves. Why should someone hire you? Do the resume and work examples say "I am the go to person for getting this done?" Make an elevator pitch for yourself and see how hard it is to do. The usual skills still need to be there-video, social, maybe audio-because that's what it takes today.
I also think graduates needs to be aware of the information that's out there, and be suspicious or know enough to check for accuracy. If a photo is digitally manipulated, will you know? How can you tell? In my opinion, this is maybe the biggest skill needed. What is balanced and researched as to what is created to satisfy some agenda? This has and will continue to be an area to watch.
What experience really stands out on Executive Editor resumes?
Patricia Hastings: The experience I think everyone needs is video, for those who aren't going into that area. Everyone uses video. Having an understanding of how to make your message or story translate to video is important and it's not that easy to do. That, and the ability to enterprise story ideas. Actually taking an idea and turning into a story for online, or broadcast or print is key. You can't tell the story the same way for each one, and so to analyze and then make a good story is important.
What type of skills will young Executive Editors need?
Naomi Wood Ph.D.: Communication skills, both oral and written; ability to work in a team; leadership experience; ability to problem-solve and invent. A growth mindset and readiness to keep learning.
What experience really stands out on Executive Editor resumes?
Naomi Wood Ph.D.: Research shows that studying abroad, doing internships, participating in and leading student groups, and other forms of community engagement can make a big difference in whether your resume stands out. But it also helps if you can tell compelling stories about those experiences - what they have allowed you to learn about yourself, your place in the world, and what you have to contribute.
Jeff Rice Ph.D.
Professor, ChairThe University of Kentucky
Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Executive Editor job market given the pandemic?
Jeff Rice Ph.D.: If there is one thing people are doing in the pandemic, it is reading. They are reading, of course, writing: COVID and health news, critiques of the administration's handling of COVID, predictions for the future (life after COVID), and more. There is no shortage of analysis, updates, news, and so on. During a pandemic, people want information. This is the same for the recent election or any event,moment, or issue that attracts considerable attention.
In addition, people are reading long-form essays about sports, about global events, about current events. People are home and on their computers, and they are reading all day long. Content providers need people to create the content, do the research, edit the copy, engage in design, and handle the social media accounts. This is a time for companies and organizations to be hiring more writers.
What skills stand out on Executive Editor 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.
Joe Moore Ph.D.
Professor of Communication Program Coordinator, Digital Media ProductionUniversity of Central Missouri
Department of Communication
What Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joe Moore Ph.D.: Versatility is going to be critical. Radio stations are no longer 'mobile jukeboxes', television stations aren't just talking heads, newspapers aren't only in print. If you want to work for a newspaper, know how to produce a podcast. If you are going to work in radio, be able to develop and produce a video news package. If you are going to work in television, know AP Style and how to write. All upcoming journalists should consider themselves multimedia journalists who can write, film, record, edit and produce.
What will help Executive Editors increase their earning potential?
Joe Moore Ph.D.: Know your worth. This is a crucial field, perhaps now more than ever. We desperately need well trained, energetic journalists. Newspapers, radio stations, television stations, online outlets--if they want to be successful--need journalists who understand the need to be accurate, fair and objective. If you have the skills and the experience and you are bringing that to the table, demand what you are worth. And then deliver!
Steve Rottinghaus
Career and outreach coordinatorThe University of Kansas
William Allen White School of Journalism
What Executive Editor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Steve Rottinghaus: It is important for a journalist to provide valuable information on current events to community members and hold public officials accountable. News consumption is in high demand.