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Photo Editor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Washington Post

Photo Assignment Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

The photo assignment editor will assign, shape and deliver high-impact photography and visual stories that resonate with local, national and global audiences. The ideal candidate combines sharp news ...

Fox

Editor, Homepage & Social Media

Washington, DC

$74K - $94K/yr

Make visually engaging montages, photo illustrations, and slideshows * Monitor live streams and ... Photo editing experience preferred; video editing experience a plus * Strong organizational and ...

Red Carrot

Photographer / Video Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

This role provides photo and video capture, editing, and production support for a wide range of agency events, campaigns, and digital platforms. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Take and edit official ...

Red Carrot

Photographer / Video Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

This role provides photo and video capture, editing, and production support for a wide range of agency events, campaigns, and digital platforms. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Take and edit official ...

Osv_edf

Reporter/Editor, Editorial Team

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Work with designers, videographers and a photo coordinator to develop accompanying visuals ... Editing experience preferred. * A writing style that is crystal clear, jargon-free, concise and ...

Distant Moon

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Distant Moon Film Editor | Leesburg, VA Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Film Editor to help shape documentary, commercial, and narrative projects from assembly through ...

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Photo Editor information

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How much do photo editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo editor in Washington is $25.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $33.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a photo editor do?

A photo editor is responsible for selecting, editing, and enhancing images to meet the needs of publications, brands, or clients. Their work often involves adjusting color, cropping, retouching, and ensuring images align with the intended message or aesthetic. Photo editors may also coordinate with photographers, oversee photo shoots, and manage image databases. The role requires both technical skills with editing software and a creative eye for visual storytelling.

What are some common challenges faced by Photo Editors when working with a diverse range of photographers and clients?

Photo Editors often encounter the challenge of balancing creative vision with client expectations, especially when working with photographers who have distinct artistic styles. Effective communication is crucial to ensure that the final images align with both the publication's brand and the client's needs. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and coordinating feedback from multiple stakeholders can require strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Building trust and fostering collaboration with photographers and clients helps streamline the editing process and achieve the desired results.

What Does a Photo Editor Do?

As a Photo Editor, you may find yourself working in a wide variety of industries, including news, book publishing, advertising, website development, and the arts. You may be asked to airbrush photos for advertising or select and edit images to go with a story. You may work with photographers to discuss the objectives of a project and collaborate to achieve it.

How do you become a photo editor?

To become a photo editor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in photography, graphic design, or a related field, along with strong skills in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Gaining experience through internships or freelance work and building a professional portfolio are important steps in establishing a career in photo editing.

Are editors still in demand?

Photo editors are still in demand as visual content remains essential for marketing, media, and digital platforms. Skills in editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this evolving field.

Is photo editing a good career?

Photo editing is a viable career that involves enhancing and manipulating images using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. It requires creativity, technical skills, and attention to detail, and can offer opportunities in fields such as advertising, publishing, and freelance work. Success often depends on building a strong portfolio and staying updated with industry trends.

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

To thrive as a Photo Editor, you need a strong eye for visual composition, attention to detail, and proficiency in digital editing, often supported by a degree in photography, design, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other image management systems is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure high-quality visual content, efficient workflow, and alignment with client or publication standards.

How much can a photo editor make?

Photo editors' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual wage in the United States is around $45,000 to $65,000. Freelance photo editors may earn more or less depending on project volume and rates, while those working for media companies or advertising agencies often have steady salaries and benefits. Skills in editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom can influence earning potential.
More about Photo Editor jobs
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What job categories do people searching Photo Editor jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Photo Editor jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Photo Editor jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Photo Editor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Photo Editor jobs in WA? For Photo Editor jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Photo Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Editor job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,075 per year, or $25 per hour.
Photo Assignment Editor

Photo Assignment Editor

The Washington Post

Washington, DC • On-site

$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 is seeking a rigorous, creative and fast-moving photo assignment editor to help drive visual storytelling across our newsroom.
This role is central to how The Post reports the news visually, from breaking coverage to ambitious enterprise. The photo assignment editor will assign, shape and deliver high-impact photography and visual stories that resonate with local, national and 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 with new approaches to visual journalism. This role requires close collaboration with reporters, editors and visual teams across the newsroom to ensure our photography is timely, authoritative and 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 on deadline.

  • 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.

How You'll Support the Mission:
  • Assign photography, conduct visual research and 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, accurate and informative reader experiences.

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

The Skills and Experiences You Bring:
  • A track record of 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, accurate copy for photo presentations.

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

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

  • Proficiency with digital tools such as Photoshop and PhotoMechanic; working knowledge of Premiere or other video editing software is a plus.

Interested candidates should upload a résumé and a cover letter to our jobs portal. 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, experience and 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