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Copy Desk Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor-a key player in our mission to elevate writing ... As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our ...

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA

$100K - $120K/yr

Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor--a key player in our mission to elevate writing ... As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our ...

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Stand Together is seeking a strong copy editor-a key player in our mission to elevate writing ... As a central figure within our copy desk, you'll be critical in refining content as we elevate our ...

Minimum of 3-8+ years of previous experience as a copy editor or similar role working as part of a team in a corporate environment or news desk. * Experience in headline writing and reshaping press ...

Minimum of 3-8+ years of previous experience as a copy editor or similar role working as part of a team in a corporate environment or news desk. * Experience in headline writing and reshaping press ...

THE POSITION The main responsibility of a fact checker/copy editor is to be the last line of ... desk * Must have a excellent attention to detail and work with writers to ensure that all ...

Crime Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... Crime Desk Editor with weekly newsletter including promotional stories, expert Q&As and newsletter copy • Deputize for Crime Correspondent/Crime Desk Editor when they are out on assignments ...

Crime Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... Desk Editor with weekly newsletter including promotional stories, expert Q&As and newsletter copy Deputize for Crime Correspondent/Crime Desk Editor when they are out on assignments including running ...

Associate Editor APP

Bristol, CT · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

The copy desk touches all outputs while enhancing tone, readability, and accuracy of the editorial ... Editing and maintenance for all of ESPN Mobile App's plus notifications and News programming.

Now, we're looking for a Sports Copy Editor/Designer to take our sports presence to the next level ... The New York Post is looking for a creative playmaker to join our Sports Desk! If you've got an eye ...

The Richmond Times-Dispatch is looking for a versatile multi-media and multi-talented copy editor ... Be a strong communicator, with excellent interpersonal skills, who works with desk colleagues and ...

The Richmond Times-Dispatch is looking for a versatile multi-media and multi-talented copy editor ... Be a strong communicator, with excellent interpersonal skills, who works with desk colleagues and ...

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Copy Desk Editor information

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$12

$28

$47

How much do copy desk editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for copy desk 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.

What is a copy desk editor?

Copy Desk Editors are professionals in the publishing and journalism industries who review, edit, and fact-check written material before publication. They ensure that articles are clear, accurate, and adhere to a publication’s style guide. Their responsibilities often include correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as verifying facts and maintaining consistency across content. Copy Desk Editors work closely with writers and other editors to polish content and uphold editorial standards.

What is the difference between Copy Desk Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectCopy Desk EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldUsually requires similar degrees or relevant experience
Work EnvironmentWorks in newsrooms, publishing houses, or media organizations, often on a teamWorks in publishing, media, or freelance settings, focusing on editing content
ResponsibilitiesOversees editorial standards, fact-checks, and ensures consistency across contentFocuses on correcting grammar, style, and clarity in individual pieces

The Copy Desk Editor typically has a broader role in managing editorial standards and overseeing content quality in a newsroom or publishing environment. The Copy Editor mainly concentrates on editing individual articles or documents for grammar, style, and clarity. While both roles require strong editing skills and similar credentials, the Copy Desk Editor's responsibilities are more comprehensive and supervisory.

What are some typical challenges copy desk editors face when working on tight deadlines?

Copy Desk Editors often work under tight deadlines, especially when editing content for daily or weekly publications. A common challenge is balancing speed with accuracy—ensuring that articles are free from grammatical, factual, and stylistic errors while still meeting publishing schedules. Editors also need to coordinate closely with writers, fact-checkers, and layout designers, which requires strong communication skills and flexibility. Staying updated with evolving editorial standards and quickly adapting to last-minute changes are key aspects of succeeding in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a copy desk editor?

To thrive as a Copy Desk Editor, you need strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, along with a solid understanding of style guides and a degree in journalism, English, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), editing software like Adobe InCopy, and digital publishing tools is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and effective communication help copy desk editors excel in fast-paced newsrooms. These skills are crucial for ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clarity in published content while meeting tight deadlines.
More about Copy Desk Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Copy Desk Editor jobs? Cities with the most Copy Desk Editor job openings:
What states have the most Copy Desk Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Copy Desk Editor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Copy Desk Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% 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.

Part-Time Copy Editor, West Coast

The Guardian

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$44K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description


The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture, and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.
Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include US politics, technology, the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, health, sports, culture, and more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization funded by readers around the globe.
It's the talent, energy, and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that makes us who we are. Across our business, we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond, award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial teams, digital talent, and more.
We are seeking a part-time copy editor to join the Guardian US copy desk. We are a team that works across the US to edit and produce nearly everything the Guardian US publishes, from breaking news to social media posts to podcast pages.
Department: Editorial, Production
Reports to: Head of production; West Coast editor
Location: New York, NY; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA or remote
Terms and conditions: This position will be for three days per week, usually weekdays, on an eight-hour shift. Special shifts may be required for holidays or notable news events.
Salary range: $44,000 - 48,000 + 10% weekend differential
This position will follow a Thursday through Saturday schedule, with a focus on one of the busiest parts of our week: editing and thoroughly preparing articles to run over the weekend, and working the Saturday shift itself, usually 9am-5pm PT. It's an exciting opportunity to be a part of a smaller subset within the copy desk: the copy editors who take on the responsibility of the weekend shifts. This key role involves a high level of multi-tasking and the ability to stay organized, with a focus on which tasks must take priority over others.
Our weekend editors are part of the conversation about the stories we run and how we cover them. They possess excellent news judgment skills, and are adept at communicating quickly and clearly with colleagues. While the core responsibilities of the role are editing copy and writing headlines, there are numerous other duties associated with this position, including occasionally editing the Guardian US homepage and sending mobile alerts, editing live blogs, keeping tabs on when stories are coming in and when they need to be published, and considering the best ways to frame them for Guardian readers.
Key responsibilities:
  • Copy edit a wide variety of stories: breaking news, US politics, international news, culture pieces, wellness articles, analysis, investigations, features and more.
  • Ensure all copy follows Guardian style and is free of spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Communicate with desk editors and reporters if any questions arise when editing copy.
  • Communicate with weekend editors and copy desk colleagues about workload and work together to prioritize which tasks need to be completed first.
  • Liaise with digital editors on any coverage that might be needed for editing homepages or live blogs, and sending mobile app alerts.
  • Work with the visuals and audience desks to guarantee that stories have the needed artwork and that they've followed best practices for SEO optimization.

Requirements:
  • Experience in breaking news environments.
  • The ability to maintain calm under pressure, and to value accuracy over speed.
  • Experience editing copy in a newsroom.
  • Familiarity with Slack, Gmail, Gchat or similar tools for communicating with colleagues in different locations.
  • Familiarity with CMS tools.
  • Excellent communication skills - the abilities to be responsive and to share ideas or voice disagreement while maintaining respect.
  • An understanding of the Guardian and the types of stories that we cover.
  • A passion for writing headlines clearly, concisely and accurately.
  • Thoughtful news judgment - the ability to consider which stories are necessary for our readers to be aware of.
  • Experience with editing homepages or sending breaking news alerts.
  • General enthusiasm for journalism and the news, and an interest in reading a variety of publications.
  • Please note that this position includes one weekend day.

How to apply
We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.
All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.
All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at recruitment.us@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.
Culture & wellbeing
We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.
Learning & development
We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.
Sustainability
Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.
The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.