Associate Editor
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Edit articles for clarity, accuracy, tone, and style
- Fact-check names, dates, quotes, and sources
- Write and update short articles, headlines, and summaries
- Coordinate with writers to shape drafts and provide feedback
- Manage content calendars and track deadlines
- Prepare content for publication in a content management system
- Collaborate with design, audience, and production teams
- Maintain editorial guidelines and style consistency
- Pitch story ideas based on audience needs and trends
- Review performance of published content and suggest improvements
Top Skills for Success
Copy Editing
Line Editing
Fact Checking
Headline Writing
Story Development
Writing
Style Guide Mastery
Grammar
Research
Interviewing
Deadline Management
Project Coordination
Content Management Systems
Search Optimization
Audience Analytics
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Editor
Senior Editor
Managing Editor
Copy Chief
Content Strategist
Audience Editor
Editorial Producer
Transition Opportunities
Content Marketing Manager
Communications Manager
Brand Editor
Product Marketing Specialist
Technical Writer
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Search OptimizationAudience AnalyticsContent StrategyContent PlanningStakeholder ManagementEditing SpeedPublication Workflow Knowledge
Development SuggestionsBuild a portfolio that shows before and after edits, publishable headlines, and clean final copy. Practice editing under time limits, learn a major content management system, and get comfortable using basic performance metrics to improve future content.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level$45,000 to $60,000
Mid Level$60,000 to $80,000
Senior Level$80,000 to $110,000
Growth Trend
Stable to mixed. Hiring varies by sector, with stronger demand in digital publishing, branded content, and specialized topics. Competition is high and employers value editors who can write, edit, and manage workflows efficiently.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Condé NastHearstDotdash MeredithVox MediaThe New York TimesThe Washington PostBuzzFeedPenguin Random HouseHarperCollinsMacmillan PublishersWileyElsevierSpringer Nature
Industry Sectors
Digital PublishingNews MediaMagazine PublishingBook PublishingAcademic PublishingMarketing AgenciesCorporate CommunicationsNonprofit Publishing
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a portfolio with edited clips, headlines, and short written pieces2
Refresh a style guide and use it consistently in editing samples3
Practice fact-checking workflows with clear source notes4
Learn a content management system and publish a few test articles5
Study search optimization basics and apply them to headlines and intros6
Track simple content metrics and summarize what you would change next time7
Network with editors and pitch short, well-scoped story ideas8
Tailor your resume to highlight editing volume, turnaround time, and accuracy