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Magazine Publisher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Monterey County Weekly

Associate Publisher

Seaside, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr (+ commission)

... ® magazines, is recruiting for a newly created position, Associate Publisher. This is a senior level leadership position created to increase the company's capacity to continue to succeed. This job ...

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Magazine Publisher information

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How much do magazine publisher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for magazine publisher in California is $29.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $33.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a magazine publisher do?

A Magazine Publisher oversees the production, management, and distribution of magazines. They are responsible for developing editorial content strategies, managing budgets, coordinating marketing efforts, and ensuring that the magazine reaches its target audience. Publishers also work closely with editors, writers, designers, and advertising teams to create successful and profitable publications. Their role requires strong leadership, business acumen, and a keen understanding of current trends in media and publishing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a magazine publisher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Magazine Publisher, you need expertise in editorial management, business strategy, and content development, often supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or business. Familiarity with publishing software like Adobe InDesign, content management systems (CMS), and data analytics tools is essential. Strong leadership, networking, and decision-making skills help you guide creative teams and build industry relationships. These abilities are crucial for producing compelling content, growing readership, and ensuring the magazine’s commercial success.

What are some common challenges a magazine publisher faces when balancing editorial vision with business objectives?

Magazine Publishers often navigate the challenge of aligning creative editorial direction with financial goals such as advertising revenue and circulation targets. This requires close collaboration between editorial, sales, and marketing teams to ensure that content remains engaging for readers while also appealing to advertisers. Publishers must make strategic decisions about resource allocation, content prioritization, and audience development, all while adapting to changes in the media landscape. Balancing these aspects effectively is key to a magazine's sustainability and growth.

What is the difference between Magazine Publisher vs Magazine Editor?

AspectMagazine PublisherMagazine Editor
Primary RoleOversees overall magazine operations, business strategy, and distributionManages content creation, editing, and publication of articles
Required CredentialsBusiness, marketing, or media management backgroundJournalism, communications, or related editorial experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive offices, meetings with advertisers, and production teamsEditorial offices, writing, and editing rooms
Industry UsageUsed in publishing companies, media firms, and corporate publishingCommon in editorial departments of magazines and media outlets

The main difference between a Magazine Publisher and a Magazine Editor lies in their focus: publishers handle the overall business and strategic aspects, while editors concentrate on content and editorial quality. Both roles are essential in magazine production but serve distinct functions within the publishing industry.

Magazine Publisher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Magazine Publisher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,381 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Associate Publisher

Monterey County Weekly

Seaside, CA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr (+ commission)

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Associate Publisher

Milestone Communications Inc., publisher of Monterey County Weekly (the newspaper), www.montereycountynow.com (website), Monterey County NOW (daily e-newsletter) and the Best of Monterey Bay® magazines, is recruiting for a newly created position, Associate Publisher. This is a senior level leadership position created to increase the company’s capacity to continue to succeed.

This job will demand intelligence, flexibility, patience and fortitude. The chosen candidate will be joining a thriving media company where for the past 36-plus years good journalism has made for good business.

About Us: Our company is local and independently owned and operated. One-third of our staff has worked with us more than 20 years; over half has been on our team more than 15 years. That speaks volumes. We are unapologetically committed to quality journalism and very responsive to our three main constituencies: our audience, advertisers and employees. We make a difference in our community; we know and value that. In 2024 the Weekly earned First Place General Excellence (the highest honor) at the California Journalism Awards.

We have learned that flexibility and perseverance are in our DNA. We have reinvented ourselves repeatedly to remain relevant and vital, and respond to the multiple challenges facing independent media organizations. We are now the largest print media in the county, known for our leadership, innovation and commitment to the community. We pride ourselves for thriving in these volatile times, meeting budgets and deadlines, generating profits.

We’re by no means perfect. We’ve made a whole bunch of lousy decisions, too, but we’re hoping the decision to hire you is one of our good ones.

About You: The right candidate will have both nuance and smarts to manage the diversity of opinions and people that define our company and the community at-large. Media experience is required.

While the specific responsibilities are sure to evolve and change, the Associate Publisher will be focused foremost on revenue and also involved with most other aspects of the company. Specific duties will include sales, sales management, planning, marketing, budgeting, vendor relations and even some human resources. Responsibilities throughout the company will expand as you become proficient and knowledgeable of our organization.

As Associate Publisher you will be an integral member of our management team, working closely with the publisher and CEO to learn all aspects of the operation of Milestone Communications Inc. We want you to thrive and grow into our next generation of leadership.

This position is full time, exempt, and may require a flexible schedule (depending on events). Salary range is $90,000 - $120,000 /year, plus performance bonus, depending on experience, with an excellent benefits package.