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Copy Editing Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Tax Analysts

Editorial Assistant

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Proofreads and performs light copy editing for consistency, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Assists with editing as needed and notifies quality control of errors. * Creates shells for documents ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA

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

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA

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

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

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

Tax Analysts

Editorial Assistant

Falls Church, VA

Proofreads and performs light copy editing for consistency, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Assists with editing as needed and notifies quality control of errors. * Creates shells for documents ...

ProShares

Content Marketing Specialist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Copy editing experience is a plus, as is experience working in a content, editorial, marketing, or financial services environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow their ...

ProShares

Content Marketing Specialist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Copy editing experience is a plus, as is experience working in a content, editorial, marketing, or financial services environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to grow their ...

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All JobsCopy Editing JobsCopy Editing Jobs in Washington, DC

Copy Editing information

See Washington, DC salary details

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How much do copy editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 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.

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, along with strong language, grammar, and editing skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level editing positions and becoming proficient with editing tools like style guides and editing software can also help advance in the field.

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.

How much does a copy editor get paid?

The average salary for a copy editor ranges from $40,000 to $65,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically start around $35,000, while experienced editors or those working in specialized fields can earn over $70,000. Many copy editors work freelance or remotely, which can affect income levels.

Is copy editing still in demand?

Copy editing remains in demand as organizations seek clear, accurate content for digital and print media. Skills in grammar, style, and familiarity with editing tools like style guides are valuable, and remote opportunities are common in the industry.
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:
Copy Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Copy Editing job openings in Washington, DC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,739 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Editorial Assistant

Tax Analysts

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Under supervision, writes abstracts and summaries of tax legislation and other tax documents. Collects, processes, and maintains data for print and electronic products. Prepares daily data for publication as assigned. Researches and retrieves source material from various media and performs quality control reviews on final products. Assists in the general preparation of documents for publication. Edits online abstracts and summaries for print and online products, following prescribed editorial and style manual guidelines.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet editorial department objectives.
  1. Writes abstracts and summaries of assigned items for publication. Reads assigned tax legislation, news releases and announcements, reports, regulations, court opinions and related documents, and administrative rulings.
  2. Researches, acquires, and verifies information concerning tax documents, and monitors state, federal, and/or international websites, newspapers, magazines, etc. for tax and other monetary related issues as required or assigned.
  3. Proofreads and performs light copy editing for consistency, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Assists with editing as needed and notifies quality control of errors.
  4. Creates shells for documents as assigned or required and enters necessary information in Content Management System.
  5. May proofread special reports and/or galleys for weekly print products and perform light copy editing.
  6. Processes full-text or hard copy documents as necessary.
  7. May research, compile, and write columns for the print and online publications.
  8. Maintain department databases and directories.
  9. Works with editors and production department staff to meet established deadlines.
  10. Manages source data through the production process for assigned products, including building, validating, and finalizing database files.
  11. Runs conversions on data to conform to database formats.
  12. Runs specific software processes to create database files for updating publications.
  13. Runs proprietary programs to compile files for uploading to website and electronic publication in a timely fashion.
  14. Cross-trains with other department members and acts as backup for other team members as required or assigned.
  15. Performs final review of files for quality assurance before publication.
  16. May assist with training new hires as needed.
  17. Maintains a database of correspondent agreements, ensures that all correspondents have active agreements, and prepares payment forms for correspondents consistent with the agreements.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Motivated, well-organized, with good attention to detail
  • Computer proficiency in Windows, Office, electronic databases, and web searching
  • Works well in a team environment and independently
  • Ability to meet strict daily and weekly deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities
  • Demonstrates dependability through punctual attendance

Requirements
  • College degree in English, journalism, related field, or equivalent experience required
  • 1 to 3 years of experience in editing or copy editing material for print and electronic products preferred

Benefits
  • Health/Dental/Vision
  • 401K: Immediately vested
  • Tuition assistance
  • Qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PFSL)
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Dog-friendly office
  • Private gym onsite
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Trade Publication/News Subscription Reimbursement
  • Exercise Room
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation and Sick Leave
  • Parental Leave

Tax Analysts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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