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Copy Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... copy and paste it into the source packet if time allows. * Work with counterparts in other ... MID Technical Editor - Reviews intelligence products for proper grammar, punctuation, and syntax ...

Content Editor C² Technologies seeks a Content Editor to contribute and edit written content for use in online and classroom training products. The Content Editor will work with a team of ...

Content Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

Content Editor C² Technologies seeks a Content Editor to contribute and edit written content for use in online and classroom training products. The Content Editor will work with a team of ...

Technical Editor (Special)

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

Distant Moon Senior Film Editor | Leesburg, VA Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Senior Film Editor to lead editorial work across documentary, commercial, and narrative ...

Technical Editor (Special)

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

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 ...

Distant Moon Series Film Editor | Leesburg, VA Distant Moon is seeking a Series Editor to lead post-production for Human Flourishing , our long-form conversational series featuring conversations with ...

Technical Editor (Special)

Mclean, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

The editor will refine complex analytic content into accurate, polished products for senior executives, including materials supporting White House-oriented requirements. The ideal candidate brings ...

Tech Writer/Editor Prin

Springfield, VA · On-site

$101K - $172K/yr

Perform structural, substantive, and copy edits of analytical manuscripts for organization ... Attend regularly scheduled editor and tasking support meetings and stay current with ongoing action ...

Technical Editor

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Goldbelt Hawk is seeking a Technical Editor to provide continued support to the DTRA NE-MA Department's customers and programs. Facilitating vulnerability assessments and mission assurance department ...

Senior Content Editor C² Technologies seeks a Senior Content Editor to ensure the quality of written content for use in online and classroom training products. The Senior Content Editor will be ...

Technical Editor

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Goldbelt Hawk is seeking a Technical Editor to provide continued support to the DTRA NE-MA Department's customers and programs. Facilitating vulnerability assessments and mission assurance department ...

Showing results 41-60

Copy Editor information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$28

$46

How much do copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for copy editor in Virginia is $28.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $31.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 in the United States ranges from $40,000 to $65,000 per year, 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 also work freelance or remotely, which can affect income levels.

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 as organizations seek to ensure clear, accurate content across digital and print media. The role often requires strong language skills and familiarity with editing tools, with opportunities available in publishing, media, and corporate communications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Copy Editor jobs in Virginia? For Copy Editor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Copy Editor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Copy Editor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Copy Editor jobs in VA? For Copy Editor jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Copy Editor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,296 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Technical Editor MID

Amentum

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Purpose and Impact:
Amentum provides warning and all-source analytical support to DIA's Defense Combating Terrorism Office to drive DoD policy, planning, and operational decisions to counter regional and transnational terrorism threats. We conduct mission-critical counterterrorism analysis focused on operational and strategic effects against emerging terrorist threat networks and identities operating globally with intent to harm U.S. persons, facilities, and interests. Our work includes delivering national watchlisting support to the TIDE database, providing expert assessments for the Pentagon/Joint Staff, and 24/7/365 support to DoD and senior policy decision makers, as well as international and interagency partners, on predictive threat assessments regarding transnational and regional terrorist threats. Amentum analysts also support the Congressionally-mandated Prisoner of War/Missing in Action cell with analysis, collection, and 24/7 support to the U.S. government for global hostage threats or events against U.S. citizens.
Work Schedule: First Shift - 8 hours per day
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Reviews intelligence products for proper grammar, punctuation, and syntax, as well as for logic, clarity, and consistency. Ensures that style and format conform to agency publication standards and that language presentation is consistent with prescribed style guides and specialized vocabulary of subject matter fields. Amends draft tables, tone boxes, and graphics to ensure the content supports and is consistent with the accompanying text. Ensures proper classification markings in accordance with IC guidance. Works with authors to revise products for narrative organization, and negotiates further revisions as needed.
  • Edit technical materials, such as reports of analytic or research findings; scientific or technical articles, news releases, and periodicals; regulations in technical areas; technical manuals, specifications, brochures, and pamphlets; or speeches or scripts on scientific or technical subjects.
  • Apply writing and editing skills and substantial knowledge of the basic principles and specialized vocabulary of appropriate subject-matter fields to the accurate communication of scientific and technological developments to expert and other interested audiences.
  • Ensure that all sources are cited in accordance with the Sourcing Defense Intelligence Analysis guide or other agency standards. Ensures that all text is marked with correct security classifications. Verifies that the classification authority block in the first-page footer is complete and correct. Validates that in-text source characterizations (i.e., "according to SIGINT," etc.) have a corresponding source citation and vice versa unless sanitization is required.
  • Identifies information included in the product that is not substantiated by the cited sources. Verifies that all cited sources with all required information are in the source packet with the extracted information highlighted. If a source packet is incomplete, returns the source packet to the author for updating or research the source and copy and paste it into the source packet if time allows.
  • Work with counterparts in other departments to update and maintain content accuracy.
  • Submit products for publication in CORE, message traffic, and other networks and portals. Demonstrate ability to publish content regularly and within requirements-driven deadlines in formats including Microsoft Office tools, electronic/soft copy matrices and/or web-enabled formats. Links published products to NCTC Current. Disseminates products via email (to the Executive Support Office and general distribution lists). Disseminates warning products.
  • Compiles reports on performance and usage metrics and future requirements for existing knowledge management capabilities including, but not limited to, search, discovery, storage and retrieval of data and formal production and taskings.
  • Maintain records of production and dissemination; produce metrics, graphics, and briefings to support production management and mission management functions.
  • Possess general information systems experience with SIPRNet, JWICS, and standard IC message traffic retrieval systems, as appropriate; demonstrate ability to learn to use and support other tools that may be added or developed as the program evolves, with emphasis on information sharing and protection of Government information.

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):
MID Technical Editor - Reviews intelligence products for proper grammar, punctuation, and syntax, as well as for logic, clarity, and consistency. Ensures that style and format conform to agency publication standards and that language presentation is consistent with prescribed style guides and specialized vocabulary of subject matter fields. Amends draft tables, tone boxes, and graphics to ensure the content supports and is consistent with the accompanying text. Ensures proper classification markings in accordance with IC guidance. Works with authors to revise products for narrative organization, and negotiates further revisions as needed.
Clearance Required:
  • TS/SCI w/poly

Minimum Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience:
  • 8 Years

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Desired Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience related to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years.
  • Desired Education: Master's degree in an area related to the labor category from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • MID-level editors shall have minimum 3 years of experience reviewing analytic products for cogent arguments, tradecraft standards, and adequate support for conclusions.
  • Demonstrates understanding of the 200 Series of ODNI's ICDs: 203 - Analytic Standards, 206 - Sourcing Requirements for Disseminated Products, and 208 - Write for Maximum Utility.
  • Produce formal written strategic counterterrorism and or all source intelligence assessments, products, graphics and briefings in accordance with ICD 203, DIA and ODNI standards as appropriate. Demonstrates ability to use research databases (e.g., Global Terrorism Database) and use quantifiable matrices in a professional setting to prepare written and oral products on complex topics.

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