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Freelance Scientific Copy Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AVMA

Copy Editor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$52K - $59K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Director (Managing Editor), the Copy Editor is responsible for copy editing, formatting, and preparing manuscripts for the AVMA's two scientific journals - the Journal of ...

AVMA

Copy Editor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$52K - $59K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Director (Managing Editor), the Copy Editor is responsible for copy editing, formatting, and preparing manuscripts for the AVMA's two scientific journals - the Journal of ...

AVMA

Copy Editor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$52K - $59K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Director (Managing Editor), the Copy Editor is responsible for copy editing, formatting, and preparing manuscripts for the AVMA's two scientific journals - the Journal of ...

AVMA

Copy Editor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Reporting to the Associate Director (Managing Editor), the Copy Editor is responsible for copy editing, formatting, and preparing manuscripts for the AVMA's two scientific journals - the Journal of ...

FoolProof

Freelance Content Editor

Commack, NY · Remote

$15 - $18/hr

As a freelance editor with FoolProof Digital, you'll work remotely while playing a key role ... Copy edit articles to fix grammar, spelling, punctuation, and awkward phrasing * Fact check ...

nantmedia

Per Diem Copy Editors

El Segundo, CA

The News desk handles California, Business, Politics, Science, National, Foreign and Opinion ... Qualified applicants should upload a resume and cover letter to Assistant Managing Editor Ruthanne ...

The Huntington

Senior Editor

San Marino, CA · Hybrid

... science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing ... Manages the workflow of multiple freelance copy editors and proofreaders, overseeing assignments ...

The Free Press

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and ... Provide structural, line, and copy edits as needed, guiding contributors through the process from ...

The Free Press

Contributions Editor

New York, NY · On-site +1

$140K - $165K/yr

Source, commission, and edit contributions from freelance writers, subject-matter experts, and ... Provide structural, line, and copy edits as needed, guiding contributors through the process from ...

Hearst

Temporary Culture Editor, ELLE

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$35/hr

Work with freelancers for evergreen stories, interviews, essays, roundups, and more * Work with SEO ... As Temporary Culture Editor at ELLE , you'll help shape smart, timely, and engaging coverage that ...

Wayne State University

Assistant Editor

Detroit, MI

Work activities requireinterfacing with freelancers (copy editors, proofreaders, indexers, etc.)authors and internal editorial staff. This classification is generally assigned to the University Press ...

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Freelance Scientific Copy Editor information

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance scientific copy editor in the United States is $28.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Scientific Copy Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Scientific Copy Editor, you need a strong background in science, excellent command of the English language, and experience with academic writing and editing standards, often supported by a degree in a scientific discipline. Familiarity with style guides (such as AMA, APA, or Chicago Manual), reference management software, and editing tools like Microsoft Word's Track Changes is essential. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to communicate clearly with clients are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure scientific accuracy, clarity, and consistency in manuscripts, which are vital for successful publication and client satisfaction.

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

Freelance scientific copy editors often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, varying quality of source manuscripts, and the need to stay updated with scientific terminology and style guides. Managing these challenges requires strong time management skills, clear communication with clients regarding expectations, and continuous professional development. Building a reliable network of clients and investing in reference materials can also help maintain high standards and consistent workflow.

What is a freelance scientific copy editor?

A freelance scientific copy editor is a professional who reviews and edits scientific manuscripts, articles, or other materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to specific style guides. They work independently for various clients, such as researchers, academic journals, or publishing companies, rather than being employed full-time by a single organization. Their responsibilities include correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting issues, as well as ensuring that scientific terminology is used appropriately. Freelance scientific copy editors may also check for logical flow and help improve the overall readability of scientific documents.

What is the difference between Freelance Scientific Copy Editor vs Scientific Writer?

AspectFreelance Scientific Copy EditorScientific Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science or related field, editing certificationsUsually holds a degree in science, with writing or communication training
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote, project-basedFreelance or employed, often remote or in research settings
Industry UsageEditing scientific manuscripts, journals, and grant proposalsWriting research papers, articles, and scientific content
Search IntentLooking for editing services or freelance editing jobsSeeking writing opportunities or creating scientific content

The main difference is that Freelance Scientific Copy Editors focus on refining and polishing scientific documents, ensuring clarity and accuracy, while Scientific Writers create original scientific content. Both roles often require a background in science and strong communication skills, but their primary tasks differ—editing versus writing.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Scientific Copy Editor jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Scientific Copy Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Copy Editor jobs? The most popular types of Scientific Copy Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Scientific Copy Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Scientific Copy Editor jobs include:
Freelance Scientific Copy Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Scientific Copy Editor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,809 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Copy Editor

AVMA

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$52K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the national not-for-profit association established in 1863 that represents over 111,000 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia and uniformed services, is seeking a Copy Editor to join our Publications division, located at our Headquarters office in Schaumburg, Illinois – a northwest suburb of Chicago.
Reporting to the Associate Director (Managing Editor), the Copy Editor is responsible for copy editing, formatting, and preparing manuscripts for the AVMA’s two scientific journals – the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR); as well as other AVMA publications.
To be successful in this role, you must be passionate about AVMA’s mission and highly collaborative. Additional qualifications include:
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or a related field
  • Previous experience in an office environment; association experience and an editorial/writing background is a plus
  • Experience working with the AMA Manual of Style is a plus
  • Excellent proofreading, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to meet multiple deadlines
  • Knowledge of medical terminology is a plus
  • Strong computer skills with commonly used computer applications, such as Microsoft Office; and experience with content management software
  • Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, as needed

The AVMA offers a supportive and flexible, hybrid work environment, with 37.5-hour workweeks, along with a robust benefit package. Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability); HSA, FSA and commuter plans; 401(k); generous paid time-off – vacation, sick, paid holidays (11) and floating holidays; paid parental leave; tuition and professional certification reimbursement; pet insurance; employee assistance program; and much more!
 A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $52,000 - $59,000. Compensation decisions consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, business needs and organizational policies. Additionally, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.
The deadline for application is 8/15/2026. Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: apply@avma.org.
About the AVMA:
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an office in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members, and acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession. The AVMA provides many benefits to its members, including information resources, state and federal advocacy, opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession and practice of veterinary medicine, continuing education opportunities, quality publications, and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and has a $50M+ annual operating budget. Visit www.avma.org/AVMAcareers!
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