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First Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

leeenterprises

Alabama Editor

Opelika, AL

The editor will oversee daily and enterprise journalism, audience growth and newsroom development while helping both organizations succeed in a digital-first environment. WHAT YOU'LL DO Lead the news ...

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

Associate Editor

With an email-first approach, we speak directly to an audience of 27M+ engaged readers across our suite of 20+ brands. About The Role As an Associate Editor, you will support the editorial team with ...

EssayMaster

Admissions Essay Editor

$20 - $35/hr

Our editors have edited tens of thousands of admissions essays and personal statements, helping countless clients attend their first-choice school. Our goal is to level the playing field-offering the ...

Pavago

Video Editor

Video Editor (Social Media + Marketing Content) - Remote Position Type: Full-Time, Remote Working ... Know how to hook attention in the first 3 seconds * Care about pacing, not just cuts * Can turn ...

Valnet Freelance

Deputy Editor

New York, NY · Remote

... smart, audience-first editorial strategy. If you're an editorial leader with a sharp eye for ... Assign stories to writers/editors; track progress * Manage editorial publishing calendar, plan ...

The Global Talent Co

Video Editor

Video Editor Full-Time (40 hours/week) | Fully Remote Check out The Global Talent Co.'s talent ... Create and optimize social-first video content for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts ...

Mocean

FREELANCE ASSISTANT EDITOR

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Mocean is hiring a freelance Assistant Editor to support our Social team. This is an entry-level ... grads and first-job candidates encouraged to apply Salary Description $20 to $23 per hour ...

The Free Press

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$140K - $165K/yr

We need an editor who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart stories, and get the best out ... In this role, you'll work directly with outside writers--from established voices to first-time ...

The Free Press

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

We need an editor who can respond quickly to news events, craft smart stories, and get the best out ... In this role, you'll work directly with outside writers-from established voices to first-time ...

Hearst

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · On-site

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 ...

Baltimore Sun

Sports Editor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Description The Baltimore Sun, Maryland's leading news organization since 1837, is seeking a digital-first Sports Editor to lead coverage focused on exclusive insight, accountability journalism, and ...

Hearst Newspapers

Regional Editor

San Antonio, TX · On-site

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 ...

Dow Jones

Story Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$130K - $153K/yr

Perform First Edits: Execute comprehensive initial edits on features and columns assigned by others ... Execute rigorous copy editing-from substantial rewrites to meticulous final proofreading-catching ...

The Grace Company

Video Editor

West Jordan, UT

$50K - $60K/yr

We put our employees and customers first. The Role We are looking for a Full Time, In-Person video editor for our production team at our West Jordan, UT building. You would be editing both longform ...

The Grace Company

Video Editor

West Jordan, UT · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

We put our employees and customers first. The Role We are looking for a Full Time, In-Person video editor for our production team at our West Jordan, UT building. You would be editing both longform ...

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First Editor information

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$11

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How much do first editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 are First Editors?

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, and why are they important?

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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First Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Locum Tenens, 55% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Alabama Editor

leeenterprises

Opelika, AL

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Alabama editor 
 
Lee Enterprises, a leading provider of local news serving 114 markets across 25 states, is seeking an editor to lead the Opelika-Auburn News and Dothan Eagle.
This is an opportunity to lead two respected Alabama newsrooms, shape coverage that matters and build strong connections with the communities we serve. The editor will oversee daily and enterprise journalism, audience growth and newsroom development while helping both organizations succeed in a digital-first environment.
WHAT YOU’LL DO 
Lead the news report
  • Set coverage priorities and direct daily and enterprise reporting.
  • Ensure coverage is timely, accurate, fair and relevant to local readers.
  • Champion accountability, watchdog and public-service journalism.
Grow audiences and subscriptions
  • Use audience data, reader feedback and analytics to guide coverage decisions.
  • Expand readership through strong storytelling, newsletters, social media and multimedia journalism.
  • Strengthen subscriber loyalty by delivering journalism readers can't find elsewhere.
Represent the newsroom in the community
  • Serve as a visible leader through editor columns, public events and community conversations.
  • Build relationships with readers, sources, local leaders and community organizations.
  • Listen to community concerns and ensure they are reflected in coverage.
Develop journalists
  • Recruit, coach and retain talented reporters and editors.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable newsroom culture.
  • Help staff strengthen digital, visual and audience-engagement skills.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR 
  • Leadership experience in a newsroom environment.
  • Strong news judgment and a commitment to community journalism.
  • Success managing coverage across digital, social and print platforms.
  • Experience using audience insights and analytics to guide strategy.
  • A track record of developing journalists and building effective teams.
  • Excellent communication skills and an interest in community engagement.
  • The ability to balance daily demands with long-term newsroom goals.
If you're passionate about local news, audience growth and leading journalists through a period of transformation and opportunity, we'd like to hear from you.
 

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