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Senior Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

The Senior Editor may also edit exhibition catalogues, collections-based titles, academic monographs, trade titles, and children's books, for both print and digital formats. Getty Publications ...

Senior Editor Location: Costa Mesa (on-site) Salary - $100,000 - $110,000 About the Role We are partnering with a design and experiential agency to place a Senior Editor within their post-production ...

Senior Editor, Watchdog

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$120 - $124/hr

As senior editor of our watchdog team, you will lead a small team of experienced reporters with the mandate to hold local government and powerful institutions to account. And there's a lot of ground ...

Senior Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Perplexity is seeking a Senior Editor to lead the quality and velocity of everything we publish. Our content spans a range of audiences, channels, and objectives. You will set the editorial bar for ...

Working closely with the Senior Editor, you'll independently edit assigned titles while contributing to larger publishing initiatives across the 8+ portfolio. The ideal candidate is a strong editor ...

New

Working closely with the Senior Editor, you'll independently edit assigned titles while contributing to larger publishing initiatives across the 8+ portfolio. The ideal candidate is a strong editor ...

New

Working closely with the Senior Editor, you'll independently edit assigned titles while contributing to larger publishing initiatives across the 8+ portfolio. The ideal candidate is a strong editor ...

New

Senior Attorney Editor, Legal Commentary Editorial Thomson Reuters is seeking a Senior Attorney Editor to contribute to our highly respected Witkin Library and Rutter Group Practice Guides . In this ...

Senior Attorney Editor, Legal Commentary Editorial Thomson Reuters is seeking a Senior Attorney Editor to contribute to our highly respected Witkin Library and Rutter Group Practice Guides . In this ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Editor information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$82K

$118.9K

How much do senior editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior editor in California is $82,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior editor?

Senior Editors are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the content creation and editing process within publishing, media, or communications organizations. They manage editorial teams, set editorial guidelines, and ensure that all published material meets high standards of quality and accuracy. Senior Editors also collaborate with writers, provide feedback, and may make final decisions on which content gets published. Their role often includes mentoring junior staff and maintaining the overall editorial vision. Strong leadership, editing skills, and a keen eye for detail are essential for this position.

What does a senior editor do?

The duties of a senior editor are to oversee writing or production for newspapers, magazines, newsletters, or other types of digital or print media, such as a website or blog. Responsibilities include working with staff writers, freelancers, and interns, assigning stories for them to write or research. A senior editor also oversees junior editors and copy editors, making decisions regarding content and offering suggestions. They typically report to an editor-in-chief or managing editor as well as the publisher. Qualifications to become a senior editor often include a bachelor’s or master’s degree as well as experience in the publishing industry.

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

To thrive as a Senior Editor, you need advanced editorial judgment, strong writing and grammar skills, and typically a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), editing software like Adobe InDesign, and style guides such as AP or Chicago Manual of Style is common. Leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to give constructive feedback are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure high-quality content, efficient editorial workflows, and effective team collaboration in a fast-paced publishing environment.

How does a senior editor typically collaborate with writers and other editorial team members to maintain content quality?

A Senior Editor plays a key role in guiding writers and junior editors through the editorial process, providing constructive feedback to ensure content meets organizational standards. They often lead regular meetings to align on editorial direction, oversee the revision process, and coordinate with fact-checkers or subject matter experts. Collaboration tools and clear communication are essential, as Senior Editors must balance maintaining consistency with encouraging creativity and growth among team members. This collaborative approach not only upholds content quality but also fosters a supportive and productive work environment.

What is the difference between Senior Editor vs Content Strategist?

AspectSenior EditorContent Strategist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; editing experienceBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related; strategic planning experience
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, media companies, online mediaMarketing agencies, corporate communications, media firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in publishing, media, online content creationUsed in marketing, branding, digital media
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for content quality and editing rolesCompared for content planning and strategy development

The main difference between a Senior Editor and a Content Strategist lies in their focus: Senior Editors primarily oversee content editing, quality, and publication, while Content Strategists develop plans to align content with marketing goals. Both roles require strong communication skills and industry experience, but they serve different functions within content creation and management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Editor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Editor jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Editor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Editor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Editor jobs in CA?

For Senior Editor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Editor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,022 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.Job Summary

Getty Publications is seeking a full-time Senior Editor to join the staff of its Editorial Department. Reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Senior Editor will work closely with authors, designers, production coordinators, and other Getty staff and freelancers to develop, pitch, and produce a wide range of high-quality illustrated art books with an initial focus on general-audience titles that complement the collections and expertise of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Senior Editor may also edit exhibition catalogues, collections-based titles, academic monographs, trade titles, and children's books, for both print and digital formats.

Getty Publications produces award-winning books that result from or complement the work of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Research Institute, and the Getty Foundation. The approximately 30 titles published each year cover the fields of art, photography, archaeology, architecture, conservation, and the humanities for both the general public and specialists.

Getty Publications offers a collegial and collaborative environment where work-life balance is prioritized. We support a hybrid work schedule, with some days at our Getty Center offices and some days at home. Staff members can choose to participate in community service and serve on committees on accessibility; mentorship and community building; and sustainability.

The Role

Under broad direction from the Editor in Chief and Managing Editor, the Senior Editor assumes full project management responsibility, performing all editorial functions-including proposal pitches and acquisitions, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading-for publications on a variety of topics and with different levels of complexity, from concept through transmittal. The Senior Editor works as part of a book team, project managing alongside staff from Rights, Design, and Production, and overseeing freelance contractors. Assists with the training and development of junior staff in the department and of the freelance pool. Performs numerous tasks related to editorial development of publication content from strategic idea development and acquisition, peer review, project approval, manuscript development, and text editing to transmittal of manuscript and illustration program to design and production team.

Major Job Responsibilities
  • Identifies, generates, and recommends to leadership new book publishing opportunities based on organizational priorities, working with potential authors to develop viable project proposals and prepare sample materials
  • Under broad direction from supervisor, negotiates contracts with authors, agents, packagers, and freelance consultants
  • Provides editorial project management for print and digital publications for a wide range of audiences and of various levels of complexity
  • Collaborates closely with colleagues in Design and Production as well as Rights to establish schedule and track progress against schedule and budget
  • Ensures high quality of work performed by all consultants, including peer reviewers, translators, project editors, copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers
  • Maintains project records and regularly reports on project status
  • With minimal supervision from manager, supervises peer review process: solicits and contracts reviewers, evaluates reviews, and works with authors to address concerns
  • Works closely with Rights Coordinators to ensure that illustrations can be acquired and transmitted according to schedule
  • May serve as a resource for development of budget and publications specifications in book project approval process
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in the humanities (preferably in English or Art History); Master's degree preferred
  • At least 7 years of relevant publishing experience, preferably including 4 years in either an art publishing or museum environment

Note: Los Angeles residency is required. This position is NOT fully remote and operates on a hybrid in-office and work-from-home schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Proven copyediting and proofreading skills; excellent knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style
  • Proficient in Microsoft products (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive) and collaboration tools such as Zoom and Docusign
  • Reading knowledge or familiarity with one or more European languages preferred
  • Substantial knowledge of art history and visual culture
  • Demonstrated excellence in project management
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills; capable of interacting professionally with various stakeholders
  • Proven ability to work independently
  • Able to adapt to changes and shifting priorities while maintaining a positive attitude
Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME