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Publishing Photo Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Commission, edit and publish images across platforms, including mobile, print and social * Produce a high standard of photography across genres * Work closely with photo editors, writers, editors ...

Staff Photo Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$113K - $115K/yr

Commission, edit and publish images across platforms, including mobile, print and social * Produce a high standard of photography across genres * Work closely with photo editors, writers, editors ...

$100 - $125/hr

Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and related photo editing tools, and deep familiarity with newsroom publishing systems. * The ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced newsroom. * A proactive ...

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Publishing Photo Editor information

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$6

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How much do publishing photo editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for publishing photo editor in the United States is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a publishing photo editor?

Publishing Photo Editors are professionals responsible for selecting, editing, and preparing photographs for publication in books, magazines, newspapers, or online media. They work closely with photographers, writers, and designers to ensure images align with the publication’s style and content. Their tasks often include reviewing submissions, editing images for quality and consistency, and managing photo archives. Publishing Photo Editors also ensure that all images meet legal and ethical standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a publishing photo editor?

To thrive as a Publishing Photo Editor, you need a strong background in photography, image editing, and visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in photography, journalism, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and digital asset management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, creative vision, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills for collaborating with photographers, writers, and designers. These abilities ensure the production of high-quality, compelling visual content that aligns with editorial standards and enhances the publication’s impact.

How does a publishing photo editor typically collaborate with writers and designers during the production process?

A Publishing Photo Editor works closely with writers to understand the themes and requirements of each story, ensuring that selected images enhance the narrative and align with editorial standards. Collaboration with designers is essential to create visually engaging layouts, as the photo editor provides input on image placement, cropping, and visual consistency throughout the publication. Regular communication and feedback sessions help maintain a cohesive visual identity and ensure deadlines are met. This collaborative workflow is vital for producing high-quality, reader-friendly content.

What is the difference between Publishing Photo Editor vs Photo Editor?

AspectPublishing Photo EditorPhoto Editor
CredentialsRelevant photography, editing, or journalism experience; sometimes a degree in photography or mediaSimilar credentials; often requires photography or editing background
Work EnvironmentEditorial offices, publishing houses, online mediaPhotography studios, media outlets, freelance settings
Industry UsageUsed in publishing, magazines, online mediaUsed across media, advertising, and publishing

Publishing Photo Editors focus on preparing images specifically for publication, ensuring they meet editorial standards and style guides. Photo Editors have a broader role, managing overall image selection and editing across various media. While their skills overlap, Publishing Photo Editors are more specialized in the publishing context, whereas Photo Editors may work in diverse environments.

How much do publishing photo editors get paid?

Publishing photo editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the publication's size. Salaries can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced editors earning higher wages, especially in major markets or specialized roles.

What are popular job titles related to Publishing Photo Editor jobs?

For Publishing Photo Editor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Publishing Photo Editor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,978 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Photo Editor Lifestyle

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Helzberg Diamonds
Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Adjust images to accurately represent real-life scenarios while maintaining the brand's visual identity.

  • Enhance and refine images by adjusting lighting, color balance, and details, and removing minor blemishes.

  • Manage multiple projects efficiently, collaborate with photographers and creative teams, and organize image files.


Helzberg Diamonds rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 30 rated jewelry retailers


Job description


POSITION SUMMARY: The "lifestyle retoucher" is a photo editor who specializes in enhancing and refining images that capture everyday life moments, focusing on maintaining a natural aesthetic while making subtle corrections to details like skin tone, lighting, and composition, used for marketing campaigns, social media, or brand storytelling that showcase a "lifestyle" feel. Key responsibilities include adjusting images to accurately represent real-life scenarios while upholding the brand's visual identity, often working with raw, unstaged photography.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Image editing: • Adjusting lighting and color balance to create a consistent look across images.
• Enhancing details in background elements to enhance the scene's authenticity.
• Subtle adjustments to body shape and proportions to maintain a realistic appearance.
• Removing minor blemishes and imperfections from skin while preserving natural textures.
• Maintaining brand consistency: • Adhering to established brand guidelines regarding color palettes, image style, and editing techniques.
• Ensuring all retouched images align with the brand's desired aesthetic.
• Workflow management: • Efficiently managing multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Collaborating with photographers and creative teams to understand the desired outcome of each shoot.
• Properly organizing and labeling image files to maintain a streamlined workflow.
• Technical proficiency:
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and other relevant image editing software.
• Understanding of color management principles to ensure color accuracy across platforms.
• Abides by legal policies regarding social media including intellectual property and music.
• Manages and develop Social Media Coordinator who will jointly be responsible for scheduling, publishing, tagging products, etc. in addition to assisting with content planning, coordination, community management and analytics as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's Degree in Photography, Digital Illustration, Graphic Design or other discipline emphasizing photographic storytelling and multimedia creation is required or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a photo editor and/or digital image specialist.
• Proficient in retouching techniques. • A portfolio showcasing before and after images required.
• Proficient with Adobe Suite (Bridge, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator and Dreamweaver) software.
• Outstanding design sense combined with a high level of skill, speed, and accuracy.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications.
• Strong prioritization, interpersonal, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Ability to operate independently while establishing strong working relationships with co-workers and cross-functional teams.
• Experience retouching jewelry/macro photography a plus.
• Strong, professional and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.
• Ability to adapt well to change in direction and priority in a fast- paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to perceive color and discern between colors.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present and justify design decisions.
• Hybrid schedule with predictable onsite attendance required three or more days per week to perform essential functions involving interactive behaviors with co-workers and managers, operation or manipulation of equipment and/or materials located only on site, and direct interaction with internal and/or external customers.

What Helzberg Diamonds employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Helzberg Diamonds

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

After over a Century of Service, Helzberg Diamonds has grown to over 200 Stores that started in the Heartland of America. Through it all, Our Core Values have stayed the same. We believe in People First, and it shines through in everything we do. Every piece we sell is an extension of our mission to make people feel loved. We support and practice Ethical metals mining, and only sell conflict free diamonds. Whether it’s made by us or designed by one of our incredible business partners, it’s made with love.

Industry

Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1915