The creation and proliferation of new written, audio and video content is easier than ever thanks to digital technologies like word processors and the Internet. Editors review content to help creators and publishers ensure that it is coherent, error-free and meets the goals that creators and publishers have set forth. Average salaries of editors vary depending upon the type of content that they edit.
Writing editors review written materials like articles, books and technical documents to correct errors, check facts and help writers create more attractive and effective content. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that editors of written works earned an average annual income of $60,490 in May 2011. The top10 percent of workers in the field earned more than $98,430 and the bottom 10 percent made less than $29,400. Half of all workers in the occupation earned between $38,640 and $72,340.
Film and video editors take raw film or video footage and put scenes together to realize the vision of the director. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that film and video editors earned $66,690 on average in May 2011. The top 10 percent of film and video editors made more than $126,250, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $26,350. The middle 50 percent of income earners made between $36,030 and $81,210.
Sound editors alter and compose audio clips from sound recordings in industries like radio and television broadcasting, musical recording and the motion picture industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that sound engineering technicians who mix and edit sound recordings earned $56,110 on average in May 2011. Workers in the top 10 percent of the pay scale made more than $98,240 a year, while those in the bottom 10 percent made less than $21,520. Half of workers made between $31,070 and $70,360.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that editors of written content and video editors typically need bachelors degrees while sound engineering technicians usually have associates degree or vocational certification. Computer skills are necessary for all three types of editors. The motion picture and video industry employed the most video and sound editors of any sector, while the majority of written content editors are employed in the newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishing industries.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 27-3041 Editors
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 27-4032 Film and Video Editors
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Editors
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 27-4014 Sound Engineering Technicians
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians
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