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First Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York Times

Senior Staff Editor, Well

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $135K/yr

You will conceive, assign and edit articles, serving as a first editor on several stories per week. * You will supervise beat reporters and develop a stable of freelance contributors. * You will ...

Small Giants

Visual Media Editor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Proven track record in social-first editing, demonstrating a deep understanding of pacing, hooks, and viral structures. * Experience with multi-camera workflows and professional-grade audio post ...

TIME

Video Editor | Contract through 2026

New York, NY · Hybrid

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

Contribute creative ideas for video projects, helping develop engaging, social-first storytelling across a variety of topics and formats. * Manage multiple editing projects simultaneously ...

Dude Perfect

Editor

Frisco, TX

Position Overview We're looking for an Editor to support the Dude Perfect's post-production team ... Edit compelling sports, spectacle, and outdoor content from first assembly through final delivery.

TrueShort

Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$250 - $350/day

Built for mobile-first viewing, TrueShort delivers premium, bingeable storytelling across an ... Editors at TrueShort play a critical role in shaping pacing, emotion, clarity, and continuity ...

Dude Perfect

Editor

Frisco, TX · On-site

The Editor will report directly to the Lead Editor. I nitial Responsibilities ... Editorial Execution: • Edit compelling sports, spectacle, and outdoor content from first assembly ...

Springboard Collaborative

Curriculum Editor

$87K/yr

The Curriculum Editor will be responsible for conceptualizing, producing, editing, and analyzing ... Here are your priorities in the first year: * Resolve at least 90% of editorial review requests on ...

Crain

Deputy Editor

New York, NY · On-site

This is a digital-first leadership role. The Deputy Editor must understand how audience behavior, analytics, newsletters, events, and emerging technologies contribute to a modern B2B media brand ...

Hearst

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

This includes spotting timely stories that work for a digital-first MySA audience, assigning stories and videos, helping reporters generate ideas, working with them to refine their ideas, and editing ...

Hearst Newspapers

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

This includes spotting timely stories that work for a digital-first MySA audience, assigning stories and videos, helping reporters generate ideas, working with them to refine their ideas, and editing ...

TIME

Video Editor | Contract through 2026

New York, NY · On-site

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

Contribute creative ideas for video projects, helping develop engaging, social-first storytelling across a variety of topics and formats. * Manage multiple editing projects simultaneously ...

Hearst

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

This includes spotting timely stories that work for a digital-first MySA audience, assigning stories and videos, helping reporters generate ideas, working with them to refine their ideas, and editing ...

Hearst Newspapers

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

This includes spotting timely stories that work for a digital-first MySA audience, assigning stories and videos, helping reporters generate ideas, working with them to refine their ideas, and editing ...

Hearst Newspapers

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

This includes spotting timely stories that work for a digital-first MySA audience, assigning stories and videos, helping reporters generate ideas, working with them to refine their ideas, and editing ...

Hearst Newspapers

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

This includes spotting timely stories that work for a digital-first MySA audience, assigning stories and videos, helping reporters generate ideas, working with them to refine their ideas, and editing ...

Hearst Television

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · Hybrid

This includes spotting timely stories that work for a digital-first MySA audience, assigning stories and videos, helping reporters generate ideas, working with them to refine their ideas, and editing ...

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First Editor information

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How much do first editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for first editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectFirst EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or related field; experience in editingSimilar credentials; often holds a degree in English, journalism, or communications
Work EnvironmentWorks in publishing houses, media companies, or freelance settings, overseeing content qualityWorks in publishing, media, or freelance, focusing on correcting grammar, style, and consistency
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in publishing, media, and content production to manage editorial workflowCommonly employed in publishing, journalism, and corporate communications for detailed editing

While both First Editors and Copy Editors work in editing and share similar qualifications, First Editors typically oversee the entire editing process and manage content flow, whereas Copy Editors focus on correcting language, grammar, and style details. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the editing industry.

What is a first editor?

First Editors are professionals in the publishing or media industries responsible for reviewing and revising initial drafts of content. Their main role is to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency before the material moves further along in the editorial process. They may suggest structural changes, correct grammar and style issues, and provide feedback to writers. First Editors play a crucial role in shaping the quality and readability of articles, books, or scripts.

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

To thrive as a First Editor, you need excellent language proficiency, strong attention to detail, and a solid background in editing or journalism, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with editing tools like Adobe InCopy, Microsoft Word track changes, and content management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and time management skills help editors work effectively with writers and meet strict deadlines. These skills ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency in published content, maintaining the publication's quality and reputation.

What are some common challenges a first editor faces when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

A First Editor often juggles several projects at different stages of development, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Balancing tight deadlines, coordinating with writers, and ensuring consistent quality across all content can be challenging. Effective communication and prioritization are essential to keep projects on track, address unexpected issues, and maintain a smooth workflow within the editorial team.
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What job categories do people searching First Editor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Editor jobs are:
First Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Staff Editor, Well

The New York Times

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

The Times Well desk is seeking a senior staff editor to edit our weekly newsletter and other reporting about health and wellness. This role is a key position on the team, requiring an editor who has experience working with reporters and freelancers and has a proven track record in health coverage.

You will supervise reporters and assign and edit across many story forms, including news, reported features, visual pieces and profiles. Your work will be timely and ambitious. You should be able to connect the dots and spot trends before our competitors do, and shape stories that have perspective and authority. Your assignments should start conversations. You should have tons of ideas and a willingness to experiment.

Your work will support Well's mission to use evidence-based journalism to explore important issues in health and to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

This role requires high productivity, attention to detail, meeting deadlines and the ability to work seamlessly with other editors on the desk. You are joining a successful team that thrives in part because we're highly collaborative and we embrace constant change and opportunity.

This is an in-office position, based in New York City and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance.

Responsibilities:

  • You will conceive, assign and edit articles, serving as a first editor on several stories per week.
  • You will supervise beat reporters and develop a stable of freelance contributors.
  • You will provide sophisticated second edits on stories as needed.
  • You will manage the digital life of stories, including writing engaging headlines, summaries and captions for digital presentation and promotion across platforms.
  • You will collaborate with our art team.
  • You will meet tight deadlines and juggle multiple priorities expertly.
  • You have strong communication and organizational skills.
  • You are collaborative, collegial and flexible.
  • You will abide by The Times's Code of Conduct and exemplify our Values and Behaviors.
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
  • You will report to the Deputy Editor.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience as a health, science or lifestyle journalist.
  • Significant editing experience, including a deep understanding of digital publishing.
  • Experience supervising beat reporters and freelancers.
  • Science-literate with a proven ability to parse and contextualize scientific research for a general-interest audience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Passionate about news and service journalism.
  • Willingness to experiment and collaborate on the Well desk and across departments.

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

REQ-020405

Additional Compensation and Benefits

For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs. 

For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.

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