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Picture Desk Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Live Desk Editor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$43 - $47/hr

We are seeking a powerhouse Live Desk Editor to pioneer the future of local newsgathering in the ... Identify and leverage dynamic editorial elements-including live pictures, helicopter, social feeds ...

We are seeking a powerhouse Live Desk Editor to pioneer the future of local newsgathering in the ... Identify and leverage dynamic editorial elements-including live pictures, helicopter, social feeds ...

... Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television ... As a Desk Editor for NBC Sports, you will play a crucial role in the digital operation of NBC ...

... Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television ... As a Desk Editor for NBC Sports, you will play a crucial role in the digital operation of NBC ...

Live Desk Editor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$43 - $47/hr

We are seeking a powerhouse Live Desk Editor to pioneer the future of local newsgathering in the ... Identify and leverage dynamic editorial elements-including live pictures, helicopter, social feeds ...

... Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television ... As a Desk Editor for NBC Sports, you will play a crucial role in the digital operation of NBC ...

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Picture Desk Editor information

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$18

$21

$23

How much do picture desk editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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 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.

How much do photo editors get paid?

Photo editors, including picture desk editors, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced editors or those working for major publications can earn higher salaries. Skills in photo editing software and a strong portfolio can influence compensation.

Are editors still in demand?

Picture desk editors are still in demand in media organizations that require high-quality visual content. They need skills in photo editing software and an understanding of current visual trends, with demand influenced by the growth of digital media and online news platforms.

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 is a photo desk editor?

A photo desk editor is responsible for selecting, editing, and coordinating photographs for publication in a news or media organization. They review incoming images, ensure they meet quality and accuracy standards, and work closely with reporters and designers to select the best visuals for stories, often using editing software like Adobe Photoshop. Strong organizational skills and an understanding of visual storytelling are essential in this role.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior photo editors, art directors, or multimedia directors can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, often combined with a relevant degree or certification.

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

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.
More about Picture Desk Editor jobs
Infographic showing various Picture Desk Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,890 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
NewsNation Assignment Desk Editor (New York)

NewsNation Assignment Desk Editor (New York)

Tribune Media

New York, NY

$36.05 - $40.86/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


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 per hour (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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