1

Academic Copy Editor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Research Editor

Chicago, IL

$38.19 - $52.72/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Academic department experience strongly preferred, especially academic copy editing. * Substantive experience content editing, copyediting technical material, proofreading, reviewing page layouts and ...

Editor, Academic Books

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The academic book editor will serve Crossway's publishing ministry by copyediting book manuscripts and managing the editorial process for those book projects through the editing, typesetting ...

... copy-editing, indexing, business writing, children's literature, screenwriting, creative writing ... academic year. Duties include developing lesson plans, administering student assessments, and ...

... copy-editing, indexing, business writing, children's literature, screenwriting, creative writing ... academic year. Duties include developing lesson plans, administering student assessments, and ...

... copy-editing, indexing, business writing, children's literature, screenwriting, creative writing ... academic year. Duties include developing lesson plans, administering student assessments, and ...

Graphic Designer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$70K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... with staff, editors, and authors to ensure accuracy and quality of final copy; and prepare and ... Experience within a publishing, editorial, academic, or association environment and working with ...

New

Graphic Designer

Itasca, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... with staff, editors, and authors to ensure accuracy and quality of final copy; and prepare and ... Experience within a publishing, editorial, academic, or association environment and working with ...

New

Academic Copy Editor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$29

$48

How much do academic copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic copy editor in Chicago, IL is $29.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are academic copy editors still in demand?

Academic copy editors are still in demand due to the ongoing need for quality editing in scholarly publishing, research, and educational materials. They often work freelance or for publishing houses, requiring strong language skills and familiarity with style guides like APA or Chicago Manual of Style.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an academic copy editor?

Academic Copy Editors require a keen eye for detail, excellent command of grammar, style, and clarity, as well as a degree in English, linguistics, or a related field. Familiarity with style guides such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, and proficiency in editing software like Microsoft Word with track-changes, as well as reference management tools, are frequently necessary. Strong organizational skills, the ability to manage deadlines, and collaborative communication make an editor exceptional in this position. These competencies help ensure that academic manuscripts uphold rigorous publication standards while remaining clear and accessible to readers.

What does an academic copy editor do?

An Academic Copy Editor reviews and refines scholarly manuscripts to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to style guides such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. They correct grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors while maintaining the author's voice and intent. Additionally, they check citations for accuracy and consistency, helping to enhance the overall readability and professionalism of academic work.

How much does an academic copy editor make?

The average salary for an academic copy editor ranges from $40,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and the complexity of the subject matter. Freelance editors may charge hourly rates between $25 and $50, with rates increasing for specialized or highly technical editing. Many academic copy editors work remotely and require strong language skills and familiarity with style guides like APA or Chicago Manual of Style.

How much money do academic copy editors make?

Academic copy editors typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, education, and the complexity of the material. Salaries can range from around $30,000 to $70,000 annually for full-time positions, with freelance editors often charging per word or project rates.

What is an academic copy editor?

An academic copy editor reviews scholarly manuscripts to improve clarity, accuracy, and consistency, ensuring adherence to style guides such as APA or Chicago. They check for grammatical errors, proper formatting, and logical flow, often working with authors or publishers to prepare research papers, theses, or journal articles for publication.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Copy Editor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Academic Copy Editor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Academic Copy Editor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Academic Copy Editor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Academic Copy Editor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,612 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Research Editor

Synectics Inc

Chicago, IL

$38.19 - $52.72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

  • Seeking a talented, mission-driven editor with a passion for economics, public service, and effective storytelling to join our Research Editorial Team.

  • You will be responsible for editing written content including published scholarly articles, research periodicals, e-newsletters, and speeches to help inform and educate nontechnical audiences

  • Copyedit and proofread all Economic Research periodicals.

  • Perform substantive copyediting of research publications and manuscripts submitted by economists to internal publications.

  • Edit written content for the Bank's public-facing website.

  • Edit written projects that explain and amplify the work, which may involve working closely with researchers to translate complex economic and policy subjects.

  • Communicate with authors about editorial processes and timelines.

  • Edit and cross-check bibliographies, tables, figures, and other special elements (ads, indexes, etc.) in publications.

  • Utilize emerging AI tools to improve editorial workflows and efficiency.

  • Review publications converted into HTML by a web production team and communicate changes effectively to them

  • Record editorial projects (logging key bibliographical details) in a tracking system

  • The level of work is considered advanced, and staff work under general supervision.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or work equivalent in English, journalism, economics, or related communications field

  • 3-4+ years of relevant experience

  • Academic department experience strongly preferred, especially academic copy editing.

  • Substantive experience content editing, copyediting technical material, proofreading, reviewing page layouts and designs using Chicago Manual of Style or similar guidelines, and shepherding written work through internal review processes

  • Familiarity with AI research tools and prompt engineering techniques

  • Familiarity with submitting materials into a web content management system and reviewing content converted into HTML

  • Excellent writing and communications skills with a strong understanding of editorial processes

  • Excellent editing skills and attention to detail

  • Demonstrated ability to convey complex subject matter in an understandable and interesting style

  • Understanding of and keen interest in economics, community development, and financial services

  • Ability to collaborate effectively and thrive in a team environment

  • Ability to juggle multiple, simultaneous projects and to meet deadlines consistently

  • Passion for learning, including demonstrated curiosity and resourcefulness

  • The ideal candidate will be a fast learner with attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to produce high-quality work.

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first of the month following at least 1 calendar year after employment begins.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.

Company Description

Synectics is a leading staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with top organizations. We specialize in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and professional services recruitment, offering both contract and permanent staffing solutions. With a people-first approach, we focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients and candidates to create long-term, successful matches. Our mission is to empower businesses with the right talent while helping professionals achieve rewarding career opportunities