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Picture Desk Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

G0549 Politico LLC

Editor, Central Desk

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

POLITICO is seeking a sharp and energetic editor to join its Central Editing Desk, the newsroom ... You enjoy moving between the big picture and the details that make an individual story stronger

New

NBCUniversal

Assignment Desk Editor

Miami, FL

... Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television ... The assignment editor supports reporters in setting up interviews and making contacts for news ...

NBCUniversal

Assignment Desk Editor

Miami, FL · On-site

... Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television ... The assignment editor supports reporters in setting up interviews and making contacts for news ...

NBCUniversal

Assignment Desk Editor

Miami, FL

... Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television ... The assignment editor supports reporters in setting up interviews and making contacts for news ...

The Guardian

US Head of Photography

New York, NY

$130K - $140K/yr

Executive Editor, Guardian US and Global head of photography (based in London) Location: New York ... Directly manage the staff picture desk in the US, overseeing day-to-day operations, and allocate ...

The Guardian

US Head of Photography

New York, NY · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Executive Editor, Guardian US and Global head of photography (based in London) Location: New York ... Directly manage the staff picture desk in the US, overseeing day-to-day operations, and allocate ...

Newsday LLC

Assistant Editor

Melville, NY · On-site

$37 - $55.66/hr

Summary of Position The news desk is seeking an editor who can design pages, edit copy, write ... Ability to spot big-picture questions in copy, as well as sweat the small details. * Review stories ...

Kaizen Lab Inc.

Editor

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$72K/yr

... big picture" while obsessing over the details. You are the lead reporter, strategist and ... the editor's desk. What You Will Do: * Local coverage - Provide editorial direction to your ...

New

Practical Adult Insights

What is a City Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... big picture" ideas for its sections. Often, she must also meet with staff from the visual ... A good city editor also knows how to use the news budget so the desk isn't looking for stories at ...

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Picture Desk Editor information

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How much do picture desk editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for picture 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 picture desk editor do?

A Picture Desk Editor is responsible for sourcing, selecting, and editing images for publication in newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. They work closely with photographers, reporters, and editors to ensure that images meet editorial standards and fit the story's context. Their duties often include managing image rights, editing photos for quality and relevance, and maintaining an organized image archive. Picture Desk Editors play a crucial role in visual storytelling and help shape the visual identity of their publication.

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

To thrive as a Picture Desk Editor, you need strong photo editing and image selection skills, a good eye for visual storytelling, and often a background in photography, journalism, or media. Familiarity with photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, digital asset management systems, and image licensing protocols is essential. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines set outstanding editors apart. These skills ensure the selection and delivery of compelling, legally compliant images that enhance a publication’s visual impact and credibility.

How does a picture desk editor typically collaborate with photographers and editorial staff during breaking news events?

During breaking news events, a Picture Desk Editor plays a crucial role in coordinating with photographers on the ground and the editorial team in the newsroom. They prioritize incoming images, provide real-time feedback to photographers, and ensure that visuals meet editorial standards and deadlines. The editor also communicates with writers and layout designers to select images that best complement the story, often working under tight time constraints. This collaborative approach is essential to quickly delivering accurate and compelling visual content to audiences.

What is the difference between Picture Desk Editor vs Photo Editor?

AspectPicture Desk EditorPhoto Editor
CredentialsExperience in photo management, editing, and industry knowledgePhotography skills, editing software proficiency, often with a photography background
Work EnvironmentNewspapers, magazines, news agencies, focusing on image coordinationMagazines, online media, advertising, focusing on image editing and enhancement
Industry UsageUsed in newsrooms and media outlets for managing photo contentUsed in publishing and advertising for creating and editing images

The main difference is that a Picture Desk Editor manages and coordinates photo content across media platforms, ensuring timely and accurate image selection. A Photo Editor focuses more on editing and enhancing individual images, often with a photography background. Both roles require strong visual skills but serve different functions within the media industry.

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Picture Desk Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Picture Desk Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,890 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

NewsNation -Assignment Desk Editor (New York)

Tribune Media

New York, NY • On-site

$36.05 - $40.86/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

NewsNation is looking for an Assignment Desk Editor to work on the network's national assignment desk from our offices in New York. The Assignment Desk Editor will help ensure that the network is well positioned to cover the day's top stories across morning, dayside, and primetime programming for the 24-7 cable news network. This is a union position, and the successful candidate will need to join the News Guild upon hire.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Man NewsNation's national assignment desk during varied shifts

Identify news of interest to a national audience

Research stories, conduct outreach to sources to verify information and report out stories

Gather editorial information and elements to best tell stories including video, audio, and pictures

Coordinate coverage of news stories: news of day, breaking news, continuing stories with correspondents, producers, and photojournalists

Maintain direct contact with field teams to offer support, request and confirm live hits

Monitor social media and clear user generated content

Monitor competitive broadcasts, cable and digital platforms

Work with Nexstar T.V. stations to harness additional reporting resources and story elements and to provide NewsNation content to stations

Occasionally coordinate booking of transmission facilities and satellite space for live/tape feeds

Utilize various file sharing platforms to gather video

Follow and communicate Rights and Clearances restrictions

Assist in compiling editorial and logistics notes used by the newsgathering and show teams

Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements & Skills:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience

Five to ten years of newsroom experience ideally in national news or a top local market

Must be willing to work extended or modified shifts as news developments warrant

Must also be willing to weekdays and holidays as needed

Strong writing, organizational, and people skills are vital

Attention to detail is key

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with excellent communication skills who brings lots of ideas to the table.

Compensation - $36.05 - 40.86 (Commensurate with experience)

Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees includes, but not limited to, medical (with multiple plan options), dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) with company matching contributions, Paid Parental leave, life insurance and more. Part time employees are eligible for 401(k) and any local/state leave plans. Union positions are subject to the benefits outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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