How Much Does a Copy Editor make?

Copy Editor made a median salary around $60,773 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $69,272 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $54,159. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Copy Editor jobs in Fresno, California

Financial Copy Editor

Randstad Digital Americas - Los Angeles, CA

Copy Editor/Proofreader at Ad Agency

InnoVision Marketing Group - San Diego, CA

Copy Editor - Williams Sonoma Home

Williams-Sonoma - San Francisco, CA

Copy Editor

Cedars-Sinai - Los Angeles, CA

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Best-Paying Cities for Copy Editor

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Copy Editor profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $76,118
Santa Clara, CA $76,118
Saratoga, CA $76,118
Sunnyvale, CA $76,118
Los Gatos, CA $76,118

Best-Paying States for Copy Editor

The states and districts that pay Copy Editor the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $67,506) , California (around $66,899) , New Jersey (around $66,475) , Alaska (around $66,050) , and Massachusetts (around $65,989) .
District of Columbia $67,506
California $66,899
New Jersey $66,475
Alaska $66,050
Massachusetts $65,989

What is the Career Path of Copy Editor?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Copy Editor, the upper level is Copywriter II , and then progresses to Copywriter III
Besides, Copy Editor can also turn to other related jobs, including Scientific Copy Editor , Senior Copy Editor , Associate Copy Editor and Freelance Copy Editor .

Frequently Asked Questions for Copy Editor

Q: What is the salary range of Copy Editor in Fresno, CA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Copy Editor in Fresno, CA earned an average annual salary of $54,159 , while the highest-paid made $69,272.
Q: What is the salary for a Copy Editor in California?
A: Copy Editor employed in California earned an average salary of $66,899 in 2025.

Average Copy Editor Pay vs. Other Jobs

Copy Editor earned an average salary of $60,773 in 2025. Other jobs related to Copy Editor earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Scientific Copy Editor made $53,355 , Senior Copy Editor made $64,149 , Associate Copy Editor and Freelance Copy Editor made $75,776 and $45,852 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Copy Editor

Scientific Copy Editor - Average Salary $53,355
There is currently no job description for Scientific Copy Editor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Scientific Copy Editor.
Senior Copy Editor - Average Salary $64,149
There is currently no job description for Senior Copy Editor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Senior Copy Editor.
Associate Copy Editor - Average Salary $75,776
There is currently no job description for Associate Copy Editor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Associate Copy Editor.
Freelance Copy Editor - Average Salary $45,852
There is currently no job description for Freelance Copy Editor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Freelance Copy Editor.
Remote Copy Editor - Average Salary $53,355
There is currently no job description for Remote Copy Editor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Remote Copy Editor.