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What is a photo editor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Bradley Shreve
introduction image

Photo editors are in charge of the photography that appears in a magazine. They review the photos, edit, and make necessary changes. They then decide on the image to publish while ensuring that all photo equipment is used properly. They also assign projects to other photographers and keep track of the deadlines. Photo editors earn a median sum of $56,000 annually or $27 per hour.

Photo editors work to create a full, rich experience for the reader or customer by ensuring all assignments are shot and edited on time for publication. They stay up to date with new image editing technologies and coordinate with the editor and the team members to identify photography needs.

Photo editors mostly hold a bachelor's degree in photography, visual arts, digital media, or other related fields. They have years of proven experience as a photo editor and with digital technology and photo editing software. Photo editors are highly creative professionals with an eye for detail and an excellent portfolio.

What general advice would you give to a Photo Editor?

Bradley ShreveBradley Shreve LinkedIn Profile

Editor, Tribal College Journal

Be flexible. An undergraduate degree in history offers a solid liberal arts background, but not a skill set that is finely tuned for most jobs. Think outside the box, and understand that the job you land probably won't be in the history profession.
ScorePhoto EditorUS Average
Salary
4.9

Avg. Salary $63,168

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.7

Growth Rate -5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.27%

Asian 7.03%

Black or African American 3.49%

Hispanic or Latino 7.85%

Unknown 4.55%

White 76.82%

Gender

female 55.39%

male 44.61%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
9.0

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.3

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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Photo Editor career paths

Key steps to become a photo editor

  1. Explore photo editor education requirements

    Most common photo editor degrees

    Bachelor's

    75.0 %

    Associate

    14.0 %

    Master's

    4.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific photo editor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Adobe Photoshop22.58%
    Stock Photography6.87%
    Photo Shoots6.32%
    Instagram5.52%
    FTP5.24%
  3. Complete relevant photo editor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New photo editors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a photo editor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real photo editor resumes.
  4. Research photo editor duties and responsibilities

    • Manage SEO tags for photo base articles.
    • Lead teams of multimedia writers to creating short documentaries.
    • Manage metadata and implement SEO practices that increase page views!
    • Manage international man-made fiber market research/publishing company and supervise editorial content and sales of industry statistical journal.
  5. Prepare your photo editor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your photo editor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a photo editor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Photo Editor Resume templates

    Build a professional Photo Editor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Photo Editor resume.
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  6. Apply for photo editor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a photo editor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Photo Editor Job

Hasshan Elyousfi

Photo Editor

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Hassan Elyousfi, a 22-year-old graphic designer based in Morocco, with a fervent passion for translating the dynamism and thrill of sports into compelling visual narratives.

In 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic, I embarked on a journey into the realm of photo editing. Beginning with humble tools such as my mobile phone and online resources like YouTube, I immersed myself in the art of photo manipulation, honing my skills through platforms like PicsArt.

It was during this period that I discovered the works of esteemed channels such as Beeny Production and Asabin Art, whose creations left an indelible mark on me. Although initially daunted by the prospect of reaching their level of expertise, a moment of self-assurance propelled me forward, leading me to invest in a laptop and delve into the intricacies of Adobe Photoshop.

Over the course of two and a half years, I diligently honed my craft, starting with the fundamentals of photo manipulation. The turning point came when I encountered the visually striking posts on Instagram by 433 and Bleacher Report, showcasing breathtaking graphics for football matches and sporting events. Inspired by their work, I set my sights on specializing in sports photo editing, a decision that has defined my creative journey over the past four years.

I am honored to have collaborated with esteemed organizations such as Serie A, Chiefs, Ligues Cup, AS Monaco FC, Ligue 1, Sevilla FC, and FC Bayern, representing Samba Digital. My dedication to the craft of sports design is underscored by a commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of innovation.

Average photo editor salary

The average Photo Editor salary in the United States is $63,168 per year or $30 per hour. Photo editor salaries range between $38,000 and $104,000 per year.

Average Photo Editor Salary
$63,168 Yearly
$30.37 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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