Post job

What is a science editor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a science editor. For example, did you know that they make an average of $29.91 an hour? That's $62,220 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -5,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreScience EditorUS Average
Salary
4.9

Avg. Salary $62,220

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 7.09%

Black or African American 3.51%

Hispanic or Latino 7.93%

Unknown 4.56%

White 76.65%

Gender

female 59.66%

male 40.34%

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

Science editor career paths

Key steps to become a science editor

  1. Explore science editor education requirements

    Most common science editor degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.7 %

    Master's

    16.4 %

    Doctorate

    11.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific science editor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    SEO26.62%
    Chemistry20.19%
    Proofread16.28%
    House Style7.91%
    Writing Articles7.61%
  3. Complete relevant science editor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New science 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 science editor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real science editor resumes.
  4. Research science editor duties and responsibilities

    • Manage editorial team to create secondary-education textbooks.
    • Participate in monthly meetings with editorial staff, editor-in-chief, and president to generate compelling story ideas.
    • Analyze FrameMaker source document and provide feedback to XML architects to improve accuracy of conversion.
  5. Prepare your science editor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your science 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 science 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 science editor resume templates

    Build a professional science 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 science editor resume.
    Science Editor Resume
    Science Editor Resume
    Science Editor Resume
    Science Editor Resume
    Science Editor Resume
    Science Editor Resume
    Science Editor Resume
    Science Editor Resume
    Science Editor Resume
  6. Apply for science editor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a science 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 science editor job

Zippi

Are you a science editor?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average science editor salary

The average science editor salary in the United States is $62,220 per year or $30 per hour. Science editor salaries range between $35,000 and $108,000 per year.

Average science editor salary
$62,220 Yearly
$29.91 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do science editors rate their job?

Working as a science editor? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs