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Hourly Photo Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Travelzoo

Video Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Video Editor is part of Travelzoo's global Photo & Video team and reports to the Managing Photo Editor. Do you feel... * Inspired to edit and refine short-form video content for our website ...

TravelZoo

Video Editor

Manhattan, NY

$75K - $95K/yr

The Video Editor is part of Travelzoo's global Photo & Video team and reports to the Managing Photo Editor. Do you feel... * Inspired to edit and refine short-form video content for our website ...

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Hourly Photo Editor information

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How much do hourly photo editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly photo editor in the United States is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do photo editors make good money?

Photo editors working hourly can earn a wide range of wages depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level photo editors typically earn around minimum wage, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working freelance can earn significantly higher, often exceeding $20 to $30 per hour or more.

How much should I pay someone to edit photos?

For an hourly photo editor, rates typically range from $15 to $50 per hour depending on experience, skill level, and the complexity of editing tasks. Freelance editors with advanced skills or specialized software may charge higher rates, while beginners or those doing basic edits may charge less. It's important to consider the quality of work and set clear expectations when determining pay.

What are Hourly Photo Editors?

Hourly Photo Editors are professionals who are paid by the hour to edit, enhance, and retouch images using software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. They work with photographers, media companies, or private clients to improve the visual quality of photos, correct color, remove imperfections, and prepare images for publication or printing. Their flexible, hourly arrangement allows clients to hire them for specific projects or ongoing editing needs without a long-term commitment.

How much do photo editors make an hour?

Hourly photo editors typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and the complexity of the editing tasks. Freelance editors may set their own rates, while those working for companies or agencies often have standardized pay rates based on industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly photo editors, and how can they be managed?

Hourly photo editors often face the challenge of meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work, especially during peak periods or when handling bulk assignments. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as clients expect consistent results without visible errors. Effective time management, clear communication with clients or team members, and staying updated on editing software shortcuts can help hourly editors manage these demands efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Hourly Photo Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Hourly Photo Editor, you need strong proficiency in photo editing, color correction, and image retouching, often supported by a portfolio demonstrating your work. Familiarity with technical tools like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other editing software is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to interpret creative briefs are essential soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality, consistent visual output that meets client expectations and tight deadlines.

Can I get paid to edit photos?

Yes, hourly photo editors are paid for their work editing images, often through freelance platforms or company employment. Payment depends on experience, skill level, and the complexity of editing tasks, with many editors earning hourly wages or project-based fees.
What cities are hiring for Hourly Photo Editor jobs? Cities with the most Hourly Photo Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photo Editor jobs? The most popular types of Photo Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Hourly Photo Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Photo Editor jobs include:
Hourly Photo Editor jobs near you
Photo Assignment Editor

Photo Assignment Editor

The Washington Post

Washington, DC

$92K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Application Instructions

Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.

Join the future of news

We're on a mission to deliver riveting storytelling for all of America. At The Washington Post, you'll help reinvent news. Our work is driven by a deep investigative spirit and enhanced by innovation to bring audiences closer to the stories that matter most.

About Our Team

The Washington Post is powered by the passion and talent of our people. It takes all of us to reinvent news. Beyond our award-winning Newsroom and Opinions teams, we work across many departments, including Brand & Events, Communications, Customer Care, Engineering & Product, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing & Advertising, Print Operations, and Sales.

Why This Role Matters

The Washington Post isseekinga rigorous,creativeand fast-moving photo assignment editor to help drive visual storytelling across our newsroom.

This role is central to how The Post reports the newsvisually,from breaking coverage to ambitiousenterprise. Thephotoassignmenteditor will assign,shapeand deliver high-impact photography and visual stories that resonate with local,nationaland global audiences. The ideal candidate combines sharp news judgment with a sophisticated visual sensibility and a strong understanding of how storytelling translates across platforms.

We are looking for an editor who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can pivot quickly between assignments and is eager to experiment withnew approachesto visual journalism. This role requires close collaboration with reporters,editorsand visual teams across the newsroom to ensure our photography istimely,authoritativeand distinctive.

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom and will require some night and weekend shifts.

What Motivates You:

  • You are passionate about visual storytelling and its power to shape how audiences experience the news.

  • You thrive on the urgency of breaking news and the challenge of producing high-impact work ondeadline.

  • You enjoy collaborating with photographers and journalists across disciplines.

  • You are curious about new formats and platforms for visual storytelling.

  • You are driven to produce work that is both visually compelling and journalistically rigorous.

HowYou'llSupport the Mission:

  • Assign photography,conductvisualresearchand generate visual stories across daily and enterprise coverage.

  • Pitch, write and edit visual-first stories that elevate The Post's journalism.

  • Manage a wide range of assignments, from breaking news to immersive, high-impact visual projects.

  • Work closely with correspondents and editors in Washington and across the U.S. and globally.

  • Collaborate with visual, design and audience teams to deliver engaging,accurateand informative reader experiences.

  • Develop creative visual storytelling approaches that take advantage of all publishing platforms, including Instagram,TikTokand YouTube.

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:

  • A track recordof editing complex visual stories across a range of formats.

  • A strong eye for photography and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of freelance photographers.

  • Deep understanding of visual storytelling across digital and print platforms.

  • Ability to write concise,accuratecopy for photo presentations.

  • Comfort working quickly and pivoting between breaking news and longer-term enterprise.

  • Experience with visual storytelling that integrates photography, video, graphics,textand audio.

  • Proficiencywith digital tools such as Photoshop andPhotoMechanic; workingknowledge of Premiere or other video editing software is a plus.

Interested candidates should upload a resume and a cover letter to ourjobsportal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Apr. 30 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Deputy Director of Photography Oliver Laurent and Director of Photography Robert Miller.

The salary range for this position is $92,600 - $138,800. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills,experienceand qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Collaboration makes us stronger. That's why our offices are designed with open layouts, modern technology, and easy access to transportation. With certain exceptions for newsgathering and business travel, we work on-site five days a week.Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

  • Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

  • Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

  • Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

  • Nine paid holidays and two personal days

  • 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent

  • Robust mental health resources

  • Backup care and caregiver concierge services

  • Gender affirming services

  • Pet insurance

  • Free Post digital subscription

  • Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

Your story awaits. Apply today!

Learn more about The Post at careers.washingtonpost.com.

Apply