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Hourly Wage for Editor I Salary in the United States

How much does an Editor I make hourly?

As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Editor I in the United States is $30, which translates to an annual salary of about $61,878.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $36 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $26 to $33 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $23 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Editor I Salaries

An Editor I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Editor I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Editor I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Editor I (0-2 years): $61,878
  • Editor II (2-4 years): $78,360
  • Editor III (4-7 years): $96,199
  • Editorial Manager (7+ years): $113,236
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Editor I0-2 years$61,878
Editor II2-4 years$78,360
Editor III4-7 years$96,199
Editorial Manager7+ years$113,236
View as Graph

How Do Editor Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Editor Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $68,511.
  • California: $68,251.
  • Massachusetts: $67,342.

Top Paying Cities for Editor I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $78,047
  • San Francisco: $77,192
  • Oakland: $75,565

Editor I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Editor I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $69,269. While startup companies pay approximate $58,600.

Editor I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,600
Growth Stage 51~500 $61,976
Established 501~5000 $66,891
Enterprise 5000+ $69,269

Editor I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Editor I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Editor positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Editor I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Editor I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$92,817$45.050%

Editor I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Editor I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$54,856
Average $61,878/year
$68,231
$4,571
Average $5,157/month
$5,686
$1,055
Average $1,190/week
$1,312
$26
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,231 $5,686 $1,312 $33
Average $61,878 $5,157 $1,190 $30
25th Percentile $54,856 $4,571 $1,055 $26

Most common benefits for Editor I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Editor I

Here are companies hiring for Editor I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Editor I

1. What are the responsibilities of Editor I?

Reviews, edits, and re-writes a variety of documents and/or digital content. Responsible for creating and maintaining accurate and compelling content for written copy and/or websites and other online communications media. Ensures that all content meets required and accepted format and standards. Evaluates content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency. May coordinate with creative team to produce final drafts. Requires a bachelor's degree in journalism or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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