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Photography Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Producer & Photo Editor, Climb Team : Category Photo Edit Scope : Individual Contributor Years of ... Working closely with photographers, athletes, and cross-functional partners, you will create ...

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Photo Editor

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Overview of The Junior Photo Editor/Photographer will work in the studio as part of the photo team that is responsible for creating high-quality product images for sales support materials/documents ...

Photography Intern

Colton, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This part time internship will focus on capturing and editing high-quality product photos for use in marketing materials and digital platforms. Requirements Responsibilities * Photograph and stage ...

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Photography Editor information

See California salary details

$5

$21

$37

How much do photography editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for photography editor in California is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a photography editor do?

A Photography Editor is responsible for selecting, editing, and enhancing photographs for publication in magazines, newspapers, websites, or other media. They collaborate with photographers and other editorial staff to ensure images meet the publication’s standards and storytelling needs. Their duties may include cropping, color correcting, retouching images, and making decisions about which photos best fit the narrative or brand. Photography Editors also manage image archives and may provide feedback to photographers on assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photography editor?

To thrive as a Photography Editor, you need strong visual storytelling skills, expertise in photo editing, and a solid understanding of photography principles, usually backed by a degree or experience in photography, journalism, or visual arts. Proficiency with editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as familiarity with content management systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top editors apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring high-quality, compelling visual content that aligns with publication standards and audience expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by photography editors when managing large volumes of images from multiple photographers?

Photography Editors often work with extensive image libraries contributed by various photographers, which can present challenges in maintaining consistent quality and style across projects. Efficiently organizing, selecting, and editing photos while meeting tight deadlines requires strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills. Additionally, Photography Editors must balance creative vision with client or publication guidelines, ensuring the final selection aligns with brand standards and storytelling objectives. Regular collaboration with photographers and other editorial staff is essential to streamline the workflow and achieve cohesive results.

What is the difference between Photography Editor vs Photo Editor?

AspectPhotography EditorPhoto Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in photography, visual arts, or related fieldOften requires similar credentials, including photography or design background
Work EnvironmentWorks in publishing, advertising, or media companies, overseeing photo shoots and editingWorks in media, publishing, or digital platforms, focusing on selecting and editing images
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in magazines, advertising agencies, and media outletsWidespread across digital media, magazines, and online content platforms

The main difference is that a Photography Editor often oversees the entire photography process, including directing shoots, while a Photo Editor primarily focuses on selecting, editing, and enhancing images. Both roles require strong photography and editing skills, but Photography Editors tend to have more responsibilities related to the creative direction of photo shoots.

How do you become a photography editor?

To become a photography editor, you typically need a strong background in photography, visual arts, or journalism, along with experience in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. A bachelor's degree in a related field and a portfolio demonstrating editing skills are often required, along with good attention to detail and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

How much do photography editors make?

Photography editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. Salaries can vary based on skill level, portfolio quality, and whether they work freelance or for a company, with some experienced editors earning over $80,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Photography Editor jobs in California?

For Photography Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photography Editor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Photography Editor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Photography Editor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Photography Editor job openings:

Infographic showing various Photography Editor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,376 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

NFL Media is seeking a part-time Photo Editor to join our photo team in support of our game day operations. The NFL Photo department provides exclusive imagery in real-time for use across the League, including our editorial and social departments, players, and clubs.

During games, NFL photographers transmit images from the field to our editors, who then prepare and distribute the photos. Editors will identify top photos with high news, social, and visual value, apply metadata, crop, edit and tone images, and upload to our internal galleries. The ideal candidate has a sharp eye for sports photography, strong photo editing skills, and experience with news or live event editing.

This is a part-time role specific to Sundays, with some opportunities for other game days (i.e., MNF, TNF) and event coverage as needed

Responsibilities

  • Provide editing support for game days. Edit game images in real time: toning, captioning, and transmitting to internal galleries to share across League departments.
  • Apply metadata to images (caption players, game information, keywords)
  • Archive images in the NFL asset management system

Required Qualifications

  • 1-3 years of experience in photo editing for digital media, preferably for editorial outlets.
  • Bachelor's degree (or degree in progress) with emphasis in photography, OR equivalent photography experience.
  • Ability to handle a large volume of assets on deadline.
  • Strong photo editing skills, knowledge of best editing and captioning practices for editorial images.
  • Fundamental knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Photo Mechanic and similar tools.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

  • Experience in sports photography preferred.
  • Familiarity with FTP clients preferred.
  • Experience in live event coverage is a plus.

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

  • Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy.
  • Works well in a team environment.
  • Open to learning new editing skills and techniques.
  • Passion for the NFL, familiarity with NFL news and storylines.

Travel

  • Potential for travel during tentpole events as needed

Terms / Expected Hours of Work

  • Part-time, under 29 hours/week
  • Must be available to work nights and weekends, some holidays, dependent on the NFL game and event schedule
  • Seasonal employment up to 7 months

Salary / Pay Range

This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that the NFL believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted job in the location(s) specified. The NFL expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would the NFL consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.Â