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Assistant Copy Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

nantmedia

Per Diem Copy Editors

El Segundo, CA

Qualified applicants should upload a resume and cover letter to Assistant Managing Editor Ruthanne Salido, News Copy Desk Manager Dave Bennett and Features Copy Desk Manager Blake Hennon through the ...

Los Angeles Times

Per Diem Copy Editors

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Qualified applicants should upload a resume and cover letter to Assistant Managing Editor Ruthanne Salido, News Copy Desk Manager Dave Bennett and Features Copy Desk Manager Blake Hennon through the ...

Nantmedia

Per Diem Copy Editors

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Qualified applicants should upload a resume and cover letter to Assistant Managing Editor Ruthanne Salido, News Copy Desk Manager Dave Bennett and Features Copy Desk Manager Blake Hennon through the ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... memo copy for tipsheets, and communicating with authors, artists, packagers, licensors, and ... The Assistant Editor will present proposals to publishing group meeting, generate P&Ls and deal ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... memo copy for tipsheets, and communicating with authors, artists, packagers, licensors, and ... The Assistant Editor will present proposals to publishing group meeting, generate P&Ls and deal ...

Chronicle Books

ASSISTANT EDITOR

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$27.41 - $31.50/hr

... memo copy for tipsheets, and communicating with authors, artists, packagers, licensors, and ... The Assistant Editor will present proposals to publishing group meeting, generate P&Ls and deal ...

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All JobsCopy Editor JobsAssistant Copy Editor JobsAssistant Copy Editor Jobs in California

Assistant Copy Editor information

See California salary details

$23.2K

$50.5K

$64.2K

How much do assistant copy editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant copy editor in California is $50,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $58,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Copy Editor, you need strong language proficiency, attention to detail, and familiarity with grammar, style guides, and editing best practices, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Experience with editing software such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and content management systems, as well as knowledge of AP or Chicago Manual of Style, is typically required. Excellent time management, strong communication, and the ability to take constructive feedback are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are essential for maintaining high editorial quality, meeting deadlines, and collaborating effectively within publishing or content teams.

What are the typical responsibilities of an Assistant Copy Editor on a daily basis?

As an Assistant Copy Editor, your daily responsibilities typically include reviewing and editing written content for grammar, punctuation, and style consistency, as well as ensuring accuracy and clarity. You’ll often be tasked with cross-checking facts, verifying sources, and collaborating closely with writers, senior editors, and other team members to refine copy before publication. In some environments, you might also be responsible for updating digital content within a content management system or tracking edits using collaborative tools. This role offers valuable experience for those seeking to advance to senior editing or editorial management positions in the future.

Is there a demand for copy editors?

The demand for assistant copy editors remains steady as publishing, media, and digital content industries continue to require editing skills to ensure clarity and accuracy. Strong language proficiency, attention to detail, and familiarity with editing tools like style guides are valuable for this role, which often involves remote work and flexible schedules.

How much do copy editors get paid?

Copy editors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced editors or those working for major publications can earn higher salaries. Many copy editors also have skills in style guides and editing software that can influence pay rates.

What are the 5 C's of copyediting?

The 5 C's of copyediting are clarity, conciseness, consistency, correctness, and coherence. As an assistant copy editor, applying these principles ensures the text is accurate, easy to understand, and well-structured, which is essential for producing high-quality content. Mastery of these elements often involves using style guides and editing tools to maintain standards.

What does an Assistant Copy Editor do?

An Assistant Copy Editor helps review and refine written content for clarity, grammar, punctuation, and consistency. They typically work under a senior editor, ensuring that materials meet style guidelines and are free of errors. Their responsibilities may include fact-checking, formatting, and collaborating with writers to improve readability. This role is crucial in producing polished and high-quality content across various media.

What do assistant editors make?

Assistant copy editors typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They support senior editors by reviewing and editing content, often using editing tools like style guides and editing software. Salaries can vary based on industry and the complexity of the publication.
What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor jobs in California? The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Copy Editor jobs in California? For Assistant Copy Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Copy Editor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Copy Editor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Copy Editor jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Copy Editor job openings:
Assistant Copy Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Copy Editor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,543 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Per Diem Copy Editors

nantmedia

El Segundo, CA

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Los Angeles Times has openings for copy editors who can work on an as-needed basis with the News, Features or Sports copy desks. The News desk handles California, Business, Politics, Science, National, Foreign and Opinion digital and print coverage; the Features desk handles features and entertainment coverage; and the Sports desk handles all major and local sports and sports events. 

If you join us, you will:

  • Edit articles, photo captions and galleries, news breakers and newsletters; text for graphics, videos and databases; and other coverage for grammar, syntax and style as well as for formatting, search engine optimization and legality
  • Serve as a newsroom quality-control specialist, ensuring that all content meets Times standards
  • Write engaging headlines and photo captions that are optimized for search and can perform well on social media
  • Work with a level of accuracy that allows immediate posting on the website
  • Operate in a fast-paced environment with continuous digital publishing demands and daily print deadlines
  • Expedite the movement of material between the website and print by collaborating with copy editors, assigning editors, reporters, website producers, page designers, graphics editors and photo/visual journalists

Requirements:

  • A minimum of one year of experience editing news and features stories for a journalistic publication; copy desk experience editing the coverage areas listed above is a plus
  • Strong skills in line and copy editing and headline writing for digital and print, strong news judgment and knowledge of taste and legal considerations
  • Consistent ability to work quickly, accurately and with precision
  • Demonstrated ability to work well in a team setting and multitask in a deadline-driven environment
  • Expertise in using production systems and software tools required to edit, produce and curate content for digital and print. This may include Slack, Cue/CCI, Google Docs, Gmail, search engines and social media tools
  • An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes positive collaboration
  • Versatility and adaptability, working not just across production platforms but also across subject areas and possibly filling in on the other Times’ copy desks from time to time  

The position is listed as Per Diem Employee in the Los Angeles Times Guild. Employees will be part of a pool and eligible for available shifts on a monthly basis. They generally will work fewer than 25 hours per week, with no guaranteed or fixed schedule. We will consider candidates who would work remotely in other time zones as well as those who would work in El Segundo, Calif. Afternoon, night and weekend work is expected.

Qualified applicants should upload a resume and cover letter to Assistant Managing Editor Ruthanne Salido, News Copy Desk Manager Dave Bennett and Features Copy Desk Manager Blake Hennon through the Apply link.

Apply