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Copy Editor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Description The Role The Portland Mercury is currently looking for a full-time Music Section Editor to join our small, dynamic, hard-working editorial staff. Are you a smart, thoughtful writer filled ...

Editing copy for factual accuracy, grammar, punctuation, readability, flow, and style, and applying SEO and GEO best practices * Leveraging generative AI per firm and team policies and standards, as ...

Copy Manager, Cross Category

Portland, OR · On-site

$86K - $150K/yr

You are both a leader and a maker-equally comfortable writing authentic, high-quality copy and editing the work of developing writers and third-party agencies. You will collaborate closely with ...

Editing video for daily news coverage, special projects, and sweep period pieces * Taking in news feeds from news bureaus and various news organizations * Collaborating with anchors, reporters, and ...

Editing video for daily news coverage, special projects, and sweep period pieces * Taking in news feeds from news bureaus and various news organizations * Collaborating with anchors, reporters, and ...

This editor should be able to elevate quick hits but also have the ambition to take on investigations and multipart series - and a keen sense of which stories will most benefit from more time and ...

Proposal Coordinator

Portland, OR · On-site

$68K - $76K/yr

You perform copy editing and proofreading to ensure products are error-free. You develop interview presentations and marketing collateral. Join Us. Make an Impact. We're proud to be an ENR Top 500 ...

Proposal Coordinator

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$68K - $76K/yr

You perform copy editing and proofreading to ensure products are error-free. You develop interview presentations and marketing collateral. Join Us. Make an Impact. We're proud to be an ENR Top 500 ...

You perform copy editing and proofreading to ensure products are error-free. You develop interview presentations and marketing collateral. What You Bring: * A bachelor's degree in marketing ...

Proposal Coordinator

Portland, OR · On-site

$68K - $76K/yr

You perform copy editing and proofreading to ensure products are error-free. You develop interview presentations and marketing collateral. Join Us. Make an Impact. We're proud to be an ENR Top 500 ...

You perform copy editing and proofreading to ensure products are error-free. You develop interview presentations and marketing collateral. What You Bring: * A bachelor's degree in marketing ...

Proposal Coordinator

Portland, OR · On-site

$68K - $76K/yr

You perform copy editing and proofreading to ensure products are error-free. You develop interview presentations and marketing collateral. What You Bring: * A bachelor's degree in marketing ...

Proposal Coordinator

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$68K - $76K/yr

You perform copy editing and proofreading to ensure products are error-free. You develop interview presentations and marketing collateral. Join Us. Make an Impact. We're proud to be an ENR Top 500 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Copy Editor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$30

$49

How much do copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for copy editor in Portland, OR is $30.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.17 and $33.46 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 are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Copy Editor jobs in Portland, OR? For Copy Editor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Copy Editor jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Copy Editor job openings:
Infographic showing various Copy Editor job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 61% In-person, 22% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,629 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Music Section Editor

NOISY CREEK

Portland, OR • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

The Role 

The Portland Mercury is currently looking for a full-time Music Section Editor to join our small, dynamic, hard-working editorial staff. Are you a smart, thoughtful writer filled with passion, hustle, and the desire to share your love for-and critiques of-the Portland music scene? This is an excellent position for an engaging writer with deep knowledge of local and national music who believes that a strong arts scene makes for a stronger city. If you have experience and love for other areas of arts and culture (including food, nightlife, comedy, theater, film, books, visual art, and more), that's even better. A degree in journalism isn't required, but possessing basic reporting chops is a necessity. 


Requirements 

  • Snappy, smart writing paired with a passion for digging deep into the music scene and other areas of cultural significance. The ability to write about various music genres with respect and through research is required. At least two years of experience in culture writing is preferred, and special consideration will be given to those who have worked in a newsroom. 
  • Must be familiar with, participate in, and have a deep knowledge of Portland's vibrant, multi-faceted music scene. 
  • Must be extremely organized and versatile, able to write longer reviews as well as short blurbs, and report on breaking music news. You should have the ability to devise and execute fresh story ideas with little to no hand-holding and adhere to deadlines. You will also be asked to write for and help produce our print products and contribute content to our weekly entertainment calendar. 
  • Must possess exceptional grammar and style skills, and the ability to proofread your colleagues' work.
  • Also required: enthusiasm, professionalism, people skills, the ability to weather critical feedback from readers, and a good sense of humor! 
  • At least two years of experience in culture writing is preferred, and special consideration will be given to those who have worked in a newsroom. 
  • Previous editing experience is recommended, as well as the demonstrable ability to manage freelancers. 

Requirements


Additional Information 

This is a full-time, union position. Applicants should live in the Portland metro area or be able to relocate for the job. Ideally, you'll have a familiarity with the area. Our general work schedule is Monday-Friday, but you will be asked to work some evenings and weekends. And just so you know, the Mercury is a really fun place to work with nice people who treat each other with respect.


Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision premiums
  • Retirement Plan: SIMPLE IRA with employer matching contributions
  • Paid Time Off: 9 paid holidays, plus the week between December 24 through January 1, plus two floating holidays, and vacation starting at two weeks in your first year and increasing to four weeks after five years.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Free health, wellness, and financial support services
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options to set aside pre-tax funds for medical, dependent care, and other expenses

Why Noisy Creek? 

Aside from being an equal opportunity employer, we're also a vibrant, creative team that believes the more diverse voices that are at the table, the better the conversation-and the work! We realize not everyone has the same professional or educational opportunities, so if you don't meet all the qualifications above but still think you'd be a good fit, please consider applying. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented communities. If you want to be part of a team where your skills and ideas are valued, we want to hear from you!Â