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Copy Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

smartdept. is searching for a Copy Editor for a marketing services client. The ideal candidate will come with 2 + years of experience . This is a fully remote, ongoing as-needed contract opportunity

What you'll do We're looking for an experienced copy editor to ensure all the content we publish reflects our house style and meets our quality bar for excellence. Our Copy Desk sits within the ...

Copy Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

The Copy Editor is responsible for editing copy that appears in VIZ Media's print and digital publications-including chapters, graphic novels, trade books, novels, catalogs, and promotional materials ...

What you'll do We're looking for an experienced copy editor to ensure all the content we publish reflects our house style and meets our quality bar for excellence. Our Copy Desk sits within the ...

Copy Editor

Coeur D Alene, ID · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Join our newsroom as a Copy Editor and help shape the daily news experience from the inside out. This role blends sharp editing skills with creative page design, ensuring every edition is accurate ...

Apply Early

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Sandow is seeking a full-time copy editor who will be responsible for ensuring correct grammar and spelling as well as consistent voice and style across all multiple print titles. Primary ...

Sandow is seeking a full-time copy editor who will be responsible for ensuring correct grammar and spelling as well as consistent voice and style across all multiple print titles. Primary ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

Query appropriate writers and editors to resolve any issues with copy * Work closely with editorial, design, photo, and production departments to ensure the quality and timeliness of the site ...

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COPY Editor information

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$12

$28

$47

How much do copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for copy editor in the United States is $28.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a copy editor?

To become a copy editor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field, along with strong language and editing skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editing positions and becoming proficient with editing tools like Microsoft Word or style guides such as the AP or Chicago Manual of Style can improve job prospects.

What does a copywriter editor do?

A copy editor reviews and revises written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, grammar, and consistency. They often work with writers to improve style and tone, and may use editing tools like style guides or editing software as part of their process.

What is the difference between Copy Editor vs Proofreader?

AspectCopy EditorProofreader
Primary FocusRevises content for clarity, style, and consistencyChecks for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors
Work StageDuring the editing process before final publicationAfter editing, just before publishing
Skills & CredentialsEditing skills, strong language knowledge, often a degree in English or related fieldAttention to detail, strong grammar skills, often a background in language or journalism
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, media companies, freelancePublishing, printing, online media, freelance

While both Copy Editors and Proofreaders work to improve written content, Copy Editors focus on refining style, structure, and clarity during the editing process. Proofreaders primarily ensure the final text is free of grammatical and typographical errors before publication. Understanding these roles helps in selecting the right professional for your publishing needs.

What does a copy editor do?

A copy editor is responsible for reviewing and correcting written material to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency. They check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style errors, and may also verify facts and improve the flow of the text. Copy editors work with writers and other editors to polish content before publication, whether it's for books, magazines, websites, or other media. Their goal is to enhance the readability and professionalism of the final product.

How much does a copy editor make?

The average salary for a copy editor varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. Entry-level copy editors may earn around $35,000, while experienced professionals can make over $80,000, especially in specialized fields or with advanced skills in editing software.

What Is a Copy Editor?

As a copy editor, your responsibilities and duties include reviewing written material, called copy, before it is put into print or posted online. You examine the material for grammar and spelling mistakes and structural errors. You also ensure that the tone, tense, and style meet the guidelines set out by the publisher. If you work in journalism for the copy desk of a news organization, you not only proofread but also fact check and make sure there is no slanderous content. You also check headlines to ensure they are attention grabbing and grammatically correct.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Copy Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Copy Editor, you need a strong command of grammar, punctuation, and style, often backed by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software such as Adobe InCopy, Microsoft Word's track changes, and style guides like AP or Chicago Manual of Style is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help Copy Editors excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring error-free, clear, and consistent content that meets publication standards and deadlines.

How do copy editors typically collaborate with writers and other editorial team members during the editing process?

Copy editors work closely with writers to clarify meaning, improve readability, and ensure consistency in style and tone. They often communicate suggested changes and questions through tracked edits or comments, fostering open dialogue to refine the content. Collaboration with other editorial team members, such as fact-checkers or managing editors, is also common to ensure accuracy and adherence to publication standards. Regular meetings and digital collaboration tools help maintain workflow efficiency and resolve any editorial concerns promptly.

Are copy editors still in demand?

Copy editors remain in demand across publishing, media, and corporate sectors due to the ongoing need for clear, accurate content. Skills in grammar, style, and familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word or content management systems are valuable, and demand is steady despite digital content growth. The role often requires attention to detail and sometimes certification or experience in specific style guides.
What cities are hiring for Copy Editor jobs? Cities with the most Copy Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor jobs? The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Copy Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Copy Editor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Copy Editor jobs? For Copy Editor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Copy Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,809 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Copy Editor

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

smartdept. is searching for a Copy Editor for a marketing services client. The ideal candidate will come with 2+ years of experience. This is a fully remote, ongoing as-needed contract opportunity.
This client needs a reliable copy editor they can hand content to and trust it comes back clean, accurate, and consistent. Healthcare, medical device, or regulated product experience is a must.
What You'll Do:
  • Review and edit marketing content for grammar, clarity, accuracy, and brand consistency
  • Ensure copy is polished and client-ready across formats including web, collateral, and campaign materials
  • Flag inconsistencies in tone, terminology, and style
  • Turn around assignments quickly with minimal back-and-forth

What You'll Need:
Education/Experience:
  • 2+ years of copy editing experience required
  • Healthcare, medical device, or regulated product industry experience required
  • Experience editing for medical or clinical audiences (patients, providers, or HCPs) required

Skills:
  • Strong command of grammar, AP or Chicago style, and plain-language writing standards
  • Ability to edit technical or clinical content without losing accuracy
  • Detail-oriented, fast, and easy to work with on quick-turnaround projects

Nice-to-Have Skills:
  • Experience with medical device or diagnostic product marketing
  • Familiarity with oncology, surgical, or interventional radiology content
  • Background editing both B2B and patient-facing healthcare materials

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About smartdept.

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

smartdept. is a nationwide creative, digital, and marketing talent resource. We provide companies with freelance, contract, direct hire, and contract-to-hire candidates for on-site, remote, and hybrid opportunities. Our ability to service customers of all sizes, while still taking a boutique approach to service, allows us the best chance to cultivate the successful relationships we value. Our detailed matching process lets us really get to know everything about our talent – their short- and long-term goals, strengths and weaknesses, favorite playlist, go-to social media influencer, you name it. So when you present us with your criteria, we can provide the most ideal candidate, not just the most available one.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2001

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