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Academic Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$140K - $165K/yr

We need an editor who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart stories, and get the best out ... Develop and maintain strong relationships with writers, academics, journalists, and other potential ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

We need editors who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart stories, and get the best out ... Develop and maintain strong relationships with writers, academics, journalists, and other potential ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$150K - $180K/yr

We need editors who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart stories, and get the best out ... Develop and maintain strong relationships with writers, academics, journalists, and other potential ...

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$140K - $165K/yr

We need an editor who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart stories, and get the best out ... Develop and maintain strong relationships with writers, academics, journalists, and other potential ...

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$150K - $180K/yr

We need editors who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart stories, and get the best out ... Develop and maintain strong relationships with writers, academics, journalists, and other potential ...

Lead Editor

Berkeley, CA · Remote

$90K - $104K/yr

Lead Editor Position Type: Full-time, exempt Location: Remote, within the contiguous United States ... academic expertise is valued but not required; what matters is informed, reliable judgment * 5+ ...

... academic citation styles; manually compare documents character by character; compare patent ... editing guides, and internal style sheets. Workflow Coordination Prioritize and delegate ...

Associate Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$48K - $60K/yr

We strive to achieve academic-level depth with magazine-level readability at the pace of news. We ... The associate editor plays a pivotal role in the editorial process, ensuring that articles ...

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Academic Editor information

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How much do academic editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Academic Editor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Editor, you need expertise in academic writing, subject matter familiarity, meticulous attention to detail, and often an advanced degree relevant to the field. Familiarity with style guides like APA, MLA, or Chicago, as well as reference management tools and editorial workflow systems, is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and adaptability are key soft skills that enhance performance in this role. These competencies enable editors to ensure manuscripts meet rigorous scholarly standards while supporting authors and adhering to deadlines.

How much do academic editors make?

Academic editors typically earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the complexity of the subjects they edit. Freelance editors may charge per hour or per project, with rates ranging from $25 to $75 per hour. Many academic editors work remotely and require strong editing skills and familiarity with style guides like APA or Chicago Manual of Style.

Are editors still in demand?

Academic editors are still in demand due to ongoing needs for quality assurance in research, publishing, and education. They often work freelance or for publishing companies, requiring strong language skills and familiarity with editing tools; demand remains steady across various disciplines.

Do you need a PhD to be a journal editor?

Academic editors at scholarly journals typically hold a PhD or equivalent advanced degree in their field, along with strong editing and subject matter expertise. While a PhD is common, some editors with extensive experience and a master's degree may also qualify, depending on the journal's requirements and the subject area. Professional editing skills and familiarity with publishing standards are also important for the role.

What does an Academic Editor do?

An Academic Editor reviews and improves scholarly manuscripts for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to publication standards. They check for proper grammar, structure, and citation accuracy, often working with authors to ensure the quality of academic content before publication.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Academic Editor?

An Academic Editor’s daily tasks typically involve reviewing and editing manuscripts for clarity, grammar, and adherence to specific style guidelines, while ensuring accurate citation and proper structure. Editors also provide constructive feedback to authors to improve the quality and integrity of academic content. Collaboration with researchers, peer reviewers, and sometimes production teams is common, as is managing multiple projects with tight deadlines. If the role is within a publishing house or journal, there may also be responsibilities related to coordinating the peer review process. This variety makes the job dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and crucial for maintaining publication standards.

What does an Academic Editor do?

An Academic Editor reviews, edits, and refines scholarly manuscripts to improve clarity, coherence, and adherence to publication standards. They ensure that research papers, journal articles, and academic books meet high-quality language and formatting requirements. Academic Editors may also provide constructive feedback to authors, verify citations, and ensure compliance with style guides such as APA or MLA. Their role helps researchers effectively communicate their findings and increases the chances of publication in academic journals.

More about Academic Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Academic Editor jobs? Cities with the most Academic Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Editor jobs? The most popular types of Academic Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Academic Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Academic Editor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Academic Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 56% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Contributions Editor

The Free Press

New York, NY • On-site, Remote

$140K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

The Free Press is growing fast. We need an editor who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart stories, and get the best out of writers. We’re looking for a sharp, creative, and highly organized Contributions Editor to join our editorial team. In this role, you’ll work directly with outside writers—from established voices to first-time contributors—to bring compelling stories, and arguments to life for our audience. You’ll be the bridge between The Free Press and a diverse set of thinkers, ensuring that every piece we publish is distinctive, rigorous, and true to our mission.
Responsibilities
  • Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and opinion leaders.
  • Shape pitches into strong, clear, and original stories aligned with The Free Press’s editorial standards.
  • Provide structural, line, and copy edits as needed, guiding contributors through the process from draft to publication.
  • Work closely with senior editors to set priorities, maintain the editorial calendar, and ensure timely delivery of content.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with writers, academics, journalists, and other potential contributors.
  • Help brainstorm editorial packages, special series, and big-picture coverage ideas.
  • Collaborate with design, audience, and production teams to maximize reach and impact.
Qualifications
  • 4+ years of experience as an editor in journalism, publishing, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated skill in editing op-eds, essays, or reported features.
  • A strong editorial voice with the ability to sharpen arguments and elevate prose.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple projects at once.
  • Familiarity with the current media and cultural landscape, with an eye for stories that break through.
  • A track record of working with a wide range of writers, from seasoned journalists to emerging voices.
  • Passion for The Free Press’s mission and curiosity about ideas across the political and cultural spectrum
Location: New York, NU (in office; remote US considered for exceptional candidates)
Employment: Full-time
Other benefits: health, dental, vision; 401(k); paid time off and holidays; parental leave; short and long-term incentive plans
The Free Press is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please email to careers@thefp.com.