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Copy Editing Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Their meticulous review and editing guarantee that the material is not only free of errors but also effectivelyachieves the intended communications objectives. The Governance copy editor position ...

Their meticulous review and editing guarantee that the material is not only free of errors but also effectively achieves the intended communications objectives. The Governance copy editor position ...

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Enhance content quality, bringing copy from good to great through meticulous editing and an understanding of impactful storytelling. * Maintain and develop our style guide, being a vanguard of ...

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA

$100K - $120K/yr

Enhance content quality, bringing copy from good to great through meticulous editing and an understanding of impactful storytelling. * Maintain and develop our style guide, being a vanguard of ...

Copy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Enhance content quality, bringing copy from good to great through meticulous editing and an understanding of impactful storytelling. * Maintain and develop our style guide, being a vanguard of ...

The Role The Copy Director will oversee and be responsible for Tatler's copy desk and its sub-editing workflow, across all of the magazine's platforms, including its supplements. They will have a ...

Tech Writer/Editor Sr

Springfield, VA · On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

Required Skills and Education - Minimum of 3 years of copy-editing experience with a background in graphic design. - Proficiency in collaborating with analysts to convey high-quality, time-sensitive ...

Perform copy editing, proofreading, document formatting, and final publication reviews. * Support Section 508 accessibility and quality-control activities and ensure products comply with applicable ...

Perform copy editing, proofreading, document formatting, and final publication reviews. * Support Section 508 accessibility and quality-control activities and ensure products comply with applicable ...

Perform substantive editing, technical editing, copy editing, and proofreading * Coordinate with action officers, analysts, and senior leaders to improve clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness of ...

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Copy Editing information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$32

$53

How much do copy editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for copy editing in Washington, DC is $32.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.05 and $36.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is copy editing?

Copy editing is the process of reviewing and correcting written material to improve accuracy, readability, and consistency. Copy editors check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style errors, ensuring that the text adheres to a specific style guide. They may also fact-check information and suggest changes to clarify or enhance the content. The goal is to produce clear, error-free writing that effectively communicates its intended message.

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

To succeed as a Copy Editor, you need excellent language proficiency, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of grammar, style, and punctuation, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or communications. Familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and content management systems, as well as style guides such as AP or Chicago Manual of Style, is typically required. Strong organizational skills, time management, and the ability to provide constructive feedback help Copy Editors stand out. These skills are crucial to ensure written content is clear, accurate, and consistent, which upholds the quality and credibility of publications.

What are some common challenges copy editors face when balancing quality and deadlines?

Copy editors often work under tight deadlines while maintaining high standards for accuracy and clarity. Juggling multiple projects at once can make it challenging to thoroughly check for errors, inconsistencies, or unclear phrasing. Effective time management and attention to detail are crucial, and many copy editors develop strategies such as prioritizing tasks and using style guides to streamline their workflow. Despite the pressure, collaborating with writers and other editors helps ensure the final product meets both quality and timeline expectations.

What is the difference between Copy Editing vs Proofreading?

AspectCopy EditingProofreading
FocusImproving clarity, style, and consistency; correcting grammar and punctuationFinal error check for typos, punctuation, and formatting
SkillsStrong editing, language, and style knowledgeAttention to detail, familiarity with style guides
Work EnvironmentEditorial offices, publishing houses, online contentPost-editing review, publishing, printing
CredentialsOften requires editing or language certificationsLess formal; focus on accuracy

Copy editing involves refining content for clarity, style, and correctness before publication, while proofreading is the final review to catch remaining errors. Both roles are essential in the publishing process but focus on different stages of editing.

Do copy editing jobs still exist?

Yes, copy editing jobs still exist and are in demand across various industries such as publishing, media, and digital content. These roles often require strong language skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with editing tools like style guides and editing software. Many opportunities are available for remote and freelance work as well.

How do you become a copy editor?

To become a copy editor, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editing roles, developing strong language and grammar skills, and becoming proficient with editing tools like style guides and editing software are important steps in the process.

How much does a copy editor get paid?

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 or those working in specialized fields can earn over $80,000. Many copy editors work freelance or part-time, which can affect overall earnings.

Is copy editing still in demand?

Copy editing remains in demand as organizations seek clear, accurate content for digital and print media. The role often requires strong language skills and familiarity with editing tools like style guides and content management systems, with opportunities across publishing, marketing, and corporate communications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editing jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Copy Editing jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Copy Editing job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,739 per year, or $32.6 per hour.
KACE
Business Management Consulting • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Title: Copy Editor

Location: Washington, DC /Remote eligible

Security Clearance: Moderate Background Investigation (MBI)

Schedule: Due to the nature of law enforcement work and operation, position may require occasional support outside of core working hours, as well as intermittent weekend support, mission dependent

Salary: Approximately $ 75,000-82,000.00/Annually

Level: ISA I-D

Division: Communications, Governance, and Strategy Group

About KACE:

KACE delivers technology-enabled mission services that advance public health, public safety, and national security, combining our large-scale operational capabilities with advanced technologies and data insights to meet the government's most complex challenges.

At KACE, purpose and service are at the heart of everything we do, and every role plays a part in the mission. Our employees bring a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the critical government operations we support, making a measurable impact every day. This is purpose-driven work, and we are committed to delivering a workforce that is mission-focused, accountable, and dedicated to advancing the nation's safety, security, and performance.

We're proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work! This is an honor that reflects the voices of our employees and the culture we've built together. This certification recognizes our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered. At KACE, being a Great Place to Work means we prioritize professional growth, celebrate achievements, encourage collaboration, and foster an environment where innovation thrives.

The KACE Way is our commitment to our employees, to our customers, and to our communities. Join KACE and make a difference!

Job Summary:

The Postal Inspection Service Communications, Governance & Strategy (CGS)staff regularly coordinate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to support the production of governance and procedural documentation. The role of a copy editor is vitaltoensuring the clarity, accuracy, and consistency of ourwritten content. Their meticulous review and editing guarantee that the material is not only free of errors but also effectivelyachieves the intended communications objectives. The Governance copy editor position provides task-specific support to the rest of the team. The copy editor will augment the career and non-career staff to ensure all written products are reviewed, formatted, and concise.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Delivers properly formatted, final versions of policies, procedures, and other governance work type products.
  • Coordinates work products with applicable shareholders.
  • Ensure timelines and deliverables are maintained.
  • Obtains management approval of all final work products.
  • Provides guidance to career and non-career staff regarding the drafting of policies and procedures.
  • Assist with other communication/governance work products as needed.
  • Proficiency in reviewing and editing standard operating procedures, policies, and other written instructions.
  • Advanced knowledge of the rules of grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Ability to correct errors of grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, and other elements of the English language sufficient to ensure written products are correct, clear, concise, and compliant with established style guides.
  • Ability to analyze written content on the paragraph, page, and chapter levels to ensure overall messaging is coherent and cohesive.
  • Proficiency in conducting research on the internet, in public databases, and through email, phone, or in-person queries with subject matter experts to ensure claims of fact are true and accurate.
  • Knowledge of basic page layout and typography is sufficient to identify errors and make corrections or instruct graphics personnel to do so.
  • Ability to effectively work with and without direct supervision.
  • Ability to support the preparation of a final product.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), including the use of the Track Changes tool; proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, including the use of the Comment tools.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills:

  • A Bachelor' Degree from an accredited college or university AND a minimum of (3) three years of work experience demonstrating the ability to organize information and communicate effectively.
  • Experience supporting law enforcement and/or experience in legal drafting is desired.
  • Significant demonstrated experience will be considered in lieu of the education requirement.

Clearance:

Applicants selected may be subject to a government background investigation and may be required to meet the following conditions of employment.

Security Requirements/Background Investigation Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S Citizen.
  • Favorable credit check for all cleared positions
  • Successfully passing a background investigation including drug screening.
  • Residency requirement - 3 consecutive years in the last 5 years.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

  • Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must have mobility to attend meetings with other managers and employees.
  • Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: 10% of the time.
  • Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: 10%
  • Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to write, type, and use a telephone system 100% of the time.
  • Sitting: Sitting for prolonged and extended periods of time.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may revise duties as necessary without updating this job description.

For more information about the company please visit our website at www.kacecompany.comKACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.KACE complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to recruiting@kacecompany.com.