Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Editor I Salary in the United States

How much does an Editor I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Editor I in the United States is $61,882 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, an Editor I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $74,046
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $54,860 to $68,249
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,467
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): $61,882
  • Editor II (2-4 years): $78,378
  • Editor III (4-7 years): $96,232
  • Editorial Manager (7+ years): $130,821
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Editor I0-2 years$61,882
Editor II2-4 years$78,378
Editor III4-7 years$96,232
Editorial Manager7+ years$130,821
View as Graph

How Do Editor I 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: $68,516.
  • California: $68,256.
  • Massachusetts: $67,346.

Top Paying Cities for Editor Is

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: $78,052
  • San Francisco: $77,197
  • Oakland: $75,570

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 $69,085. While startup companies pay approximate $58,497.

Editor I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $58,497
Growth Stage 51~500 $61,853
Established 501~5000 $66,707
Enterprise 5000+ $69,085

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$92,823$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 October 01, 2026
$54,860
Average $61,882/year
$68,249
$4,572
Average $5,157/month
$5,687
$1,055
Average $1,190/week
$1,312
$26
Average $30/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,249 $5,687 $1,312 $33
Average $61,882 $5,157 $1,190 $30
25th Percentile $54,860 $4,572 $1,055 $26

Editor I Salary Growth & Career Path

Editor I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Editor I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Editor II $78,378 27%
Photo Editor $71,359 15%

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.

Find Your Next Editor I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Editor I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Editor I

1. Where can an Editor I earn the most?

An Editor I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Editor I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Editor I is $78,052.

2. What is the highest pay for Editor I?

The highest pay for Editor I is $74,046.

3. What is the lowest pay for Editor I?

The lowest pay for Editor I is $48,467.

4. 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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Editor I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Editor I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst