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News Desk Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. WTHR, the TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate ... The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ...

Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. WWL-TV , the TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate in New Orleans , is looking for a Story Desk Editor to embrace our transition to the newsroom of ...

Senior News Editor

$100K - $115K/yr

This role demands editors who can run a national news desk at full throttle-making high-stakes editorial decisions in real time, rewriting aggressively, and delivering journalism that competes head ...

Senior News Editor

$100K - $115K/yr

This role demands editors who can run a national news desk at full throttle-making high-stakes editorial decisions in real time, rewriting aggressively, and delivering journalism that competes head ...

Senior Assignment Editor

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$92 - $135/hr

As the Senior Assignment Editor, you have excellent editorial judgement and will supervise the NY ... of the FBN News Desk in designing systems, planning for major coverage events, improving ...

New

Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news. KIDY KXVA-TV , the TEGNA-owned Fox ... With the Story Desk Editors, provide editorial support for MSJs, producers and photojournalists ...

Senior News Editor

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

S. news desk during peak coverage hours, making final calls on framing, prioritization, and play ... Mentor reporters and junior editors into sharper thinkers and stronger journalists. * Take ...

Senior Assignment Editor

New York, NY ยท On-site

$92K - $135K/yr

As the Senior Assignment Editor, you have excellent editorial judgement and will supervise the NY ... of the FBN News Desk in designing systems, planning for major coverage events, improving ...

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News Desk Editor information

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How much do news desk editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for news desk editor in the United States is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a news desk editor do?

A News Desk Editor oversees the flow of news stories within a newsroom, assigning tasks to reporters, editing copy, and ensuring stories meet editorial standards and deadlines. They play a critical role in deciding which stories get published or broadcast and coordinate with other departments such as photography and digital media. News Desk Editors must stay updated on current events, manage breaking news situations, and maintain the accuracy and credibility of reporting. Their work ensures that the news organization delivers timely, relevant, and well-edited content to its audience.

How does a news desk editor typically collaborate with reporters and other editorial staff during breaking news situations?

During breaking news events, a News Desk Editor plays a crucial role in coordinating the newsroom's response. They work closely with reporters to assign coverage, verify facts swiftly, and prioritize the most newsworthy angles. The editor also communicates with photographers, graphic designers, and digital teams to ensure timely and accurate publication across platforms. This high-paced collaboration demands clear communication, quick decision-making, and the ability to manage multiple streams of information simultaneously.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a news desk editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a News Desk Editor, you need strong news judgment, editing proficiency, and a background in journalism or communications, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with newsroom content management systems, AP style, and digital publishing tools is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines help News Desk Editors stand out. These skills ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality news coverage that maintains the publication's credibility and audience trust.

What is the difference between News Desk Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectNews Desk EditorCopy Editor
CredentialsJournalism degree or related experienceEnglish, Journalism, or Communications degree
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, online news platformsPublishing houses, magazines, online content teams
Employer & IndustryMedia companies, news organizationsPublishing companies, media outlets
Primary FocusOverseeing news content, editing headlines, managing news flowEnsuring grammatical accuracy, clarity, and style consistency

While both roles involve editing, a News Desk Editor focuses on managing news content and headlines in a fast-paced newsroom environment, whereas a Copy Editor concentrates on refining language, grammar, and style across various types of content. Both roles require strong editing skills and familiarity with media standards, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

Are news desk editors still in demand?

News desk editors remain in demand as they play a key role in managing news content, verifying facts, and coordinating reporting teams. The evolving media landscape and digital platforms continue to require skilled editors with strong editing, communication, and familiarity with content management systems. Job opportunities may vary based on the size of the organization and industry trends.

How much do news desk editors get paid?

News desk editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the media organization. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the newsroom, the editor's level of responsibility, and whether they work full-time or freelance.
More about News Desk Editor jobs
Infographic showing various News Desk Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,890 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Multiplatform News Desk Editor

The Seattle Times

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$63K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Seattle Times, a family-owned news organization and one of the nation's premier regional news sources, is seeking an experienced Multiplatform News Desk Editor.
As part of our team, you will copy edit stories and perform important digital tasks. You'll ensure newsworthy stories move rapidly from initial draft to final product with accuracy, clarity, fairness, grammar and style. You should be comfortable working under tight deadlines with ease while supporting multiple editors at once. Ideally, you have strong knowledge of AP style as well as local geography and nomenclature.
Schedule: Starting times for our shifts can range from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. This position will typically work Thursday through Monday from 1:00 to 9:30 p.m. Depending on skill and background, an earlier Sunday shift from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. may apply.
Applicants may work remotely but must be based in the Puget Sound area.
Responsibilities
  • Copy-editing news, business and arts/lifestyle stories.
  • Helping produce digital news alerts and, potentially, email newsletters.
  • Writing web headlines with SEO and our homepage readers in mind, along with print headlines.
  • Working collaboratively with various teams at The Seattle Times on web and print production.
  • Maintaining a consistently high-quality product with sharp grammar and unfailing accuracy.
  • Multitasking with the demands of production work -- editing on deadline as well as communicating continuously on Slack and email.
  • Curating and producing the Seattletimes.com homepage and online nation/world report.
  • Posting Seattle Times stories to social media and engaging with readers.
  • Upholding our ethics code and standards of fairness and independence.
  • Staying up to date on digital best practices to optimize our content.
  • Practicing a commitment to coverage that is inclusive. This means considering in our stories, headlines, other display type and photos the full range of human diversity with respect to race, ability, language, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation and identity.

Qualifications
We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive newsroom, and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply. If your profile doesn't match this job description exactly, you may still
be a candidate for this position. Please let us know how your skills and experience relate to the role and its objectives in your cover letter.
  • Experience: At least 2 years' experience working on a copy desk at a daily news organization
  • Education: College degree, or equivalent combination of education and/or professional experience
  • Strong editing and communication skills
  • Expertise in digital production
  • Ability to collaborate and thrive in high-pressure situations when big news hits
  • Strong communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Predictable attendance and reliable punctuality are required
  • Familiarity with tools for web publishing and analytics, such as WordPress, Chartbeat, Google Analytics and Marfeel.

Compensation: The full salary range for this position is $63,900 to $95,100. We typically pay between $63,900 to $80,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Optional life and AD&D insurance and long-term care insurance
  • 401(k) plan with employer match
  • 10 days of annual vacation accrual, increasing with tenure up to 20 days
  • 10 days of annual sick accrual; unused sick pay accrues to an extended illness bank
  • 9 paid holidays
  • Monthly internet stipend for predominately remote employees
  • Subsidized transit cards and parking costs
  • Complimentary Seattle Times subscription
  • Wellness program
  • Fertility coverage (with lifetime limits) for eligible employees
  • Parental leave options

Please note: This is a union-represented position.
Founded in 1896, The Seattle Times continues its tradition as a family-owned, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper that cuts through the clutter and provides readers with timely, relevant news. We serve the Pacific Northwest with thoughtful, independent journalism that makes a real difference in our community. And as a media solutions company, we combine cutting-edge digital capabilities and service with the values and integrity of respected traditional media... with an established audience of 1.9 million. At The Seattle Times, you'll find work that matters.
If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact Human Resources at careers@seattletimes.com and provide a description of the reasonable accommodation(s) needed.