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Freelance Science Copy Editor Jobs in California

StudioBinder

Copy Editor

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Your work will include editing and optimizing articles, conducting keyword research, improving ... From there, you review drafts from freelance writers, refine structure and clarity, and make sure ...

New

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an ... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Reporting to WIRED's senior director, science, politics, and security, you'll work with an ... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ...

VIZ Media

Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$73K - $78K/yr

Oversee freelance translators, rewriters, and letterers for the production of graphic novels ... Check promotional copy in items such as sell sheets, samplers, and other marketing materials to ...

Solomon Page

Senior Editor/Writer

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$53/hr

This freelance role will run until May 2027 with potential to extend and will be fully onsite in ... Edit copy from other writers for accuracy, clarity, structure, voice and audience relevance

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA · On-site

... copy editors through final production. * Collaborate closely with Design, Production, and ... Cultivate strong relationships with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA

... copy editors through final production. * Collaborate closely with Design, Production, and ... Cultivate strong relationships with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA

... copy editors through final production. * Collaborate closely with Design, Production, and ... Cultivate strong relationships with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support ...

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Freelance Science Copy Editor information

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$12

$28

$46

How much do freelance science copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance science copy editor in California is $28.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance science copy editor do?

A Freelance Science Copy Editor reviews and edits scientific manuscripts, articles, and other materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to style guides. They work with scientists, researchers, and publishers to correct grammar, formatting, and scientific terminology while preserving the author's intended meaning. Their work helps improve the quality and readability of scientific content before publication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance science copy editor?

To thrive as a Freelance Science Copy Editor, you need strong scientific literacy, meticulous attention to detail, and a solid understanding of grammar and style, often supported by an advanced degree in science or English. Familiarity with editorial tools such as Microsoft Word's Track Changes, citation management software, and style guides like AMA or APA is typically required. Excellent time management, communication skills, and the ability to provide constructive feedback help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring scientific accuracy, clarity, and consistency in published materials, directly impacting the credibility and readability of scientific content.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance science copy editors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Freelance science copy editors often encounter challenges such as managing varying client expectations, handling highly technical content outside their specialty, and balancing multiple deadlines. To address these, it's helpful to communicate clearly with clients about project scope and timelines, continuously update your subject knowledge, and use organizational tools to track assignments. Networking with other editors and participating in professional development can also provide support and resources for overcoming complex editing tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Science Copy Editor jobs in California?

For Freelance Science Copy Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Science Copy Editor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Science Copy Editor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Science Copy Editor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Science Copy Editor job openings:

Freelance Science Copy Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Copy Editor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,026 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Copy Editor

StudioBinder

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

StudioBinder builds production management software used by filmmakers, agencies, brands, and creative teams to plan and collaborate on productions. Alongside our platform, we run one of the largest educational resources in the production industry. Our blog reaches 1M+ readers each month, and our YouTube channel has over 2M+ subscribers.

If you enjoy improving content, optimizing for search, and helping great ideas reach a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you.Visit ourCareers page to learn about our work culture, benefits, and the typical work day.

What You’ll Do

As part of the editorial team, you’ll help improve the clarity, structure, and performance of StudioBinder’s articles and marketing pages.

Your work will include editing and optimizing articles, conducting keyword research, improving internal linking, and identifying opportunities to strengthen the overall content experience. You’ll also publish and update articles in WordPress, run SEO audits, and help track how our content performs over time.

Much of the work involves refining existing content; making strong articles even better and helping them reach more creators.

A Typical Day

A typical day might begin by reviewing the editorial pipeline—checking the release calendar, monitoring the progress of current articles, and identifying topics that could be expanded or improved. From there, you review drafts from freelance writers, refine structure and clarity, and make sure each piece meets our editorial standards.

Later in the day, you outline upcoming articles, building clear frameworks that help writers produce strong drafts.

Throughout the week, you also collaborate with designers on graphics that enhance new articles, and check in on projects moving toward publication. On Tuesdays, the team meets with management to review article performance with tools like SEMrush and Google Analytics.

Some days lean more editorial, others more analytical. The goal is always the same: publish thoughtful, well‑crafted articles that help creators learn and improve their craft.

What We’re Looking For

You might be a great fit if you:

  • Have 5+ years of experience in SEO, editorial, or content optimization
  • Are comfortable working with SEO tools and analytics platforms
  • Care deeply about clarity, structure, and good writing
  • Enjoy analyzing content performance and improving it
  • Take ownership of your work and collaborate well with others
  • Have an interest in filmmaking, video production, or creative tools

Experience with tools like WordPress, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Google Analytics, and Yoast SEO is helpful but not required.

How to Apply

If you're interested in the position, we'd love to hear from you.

Email us at hello@studiobinder.com —pleaseinclude your resume and a short cover telling us about yourself, and why you'd be a good fit for this role.

StudioBinder is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Reasonable Accommodation: StudioBinder provides reasonable accommodation so that qualified applicants with a disability may participate in the selection process. Please advise us of any accommodations you request in order to express interest in a position by e‑mailing: hello@studiobinder.com Please state your request for assistance in your message. Only reasonable accommodation requests related to applying for a specific position within StudioBinder will be reviewed at the e‑mail address supplied.

Thank you for considering a career with StudioBinder!

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