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Story Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Story Editor, NYT Magazine

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $135K/yr

The story editor will coordinate reporting, juggle many projects at various levels of completion, follow deadlines and stay on top of their writers to do the same. We value collaboration, creativity ...

The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and ...

Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$250 - $350/day

Built for mobile-first viewing, TrueShort delivers premium, bingeable storytelling across an ... Editors at TrueShort play a critical role in shaping pacing, emotion, clarity, and continuity ...

Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Built for mobile-first viewing, TrueShort delivers premium, bingeable storytelling across an ... Editors at TrueShort play a critical role in shaping pacing, emotion, clarity, and continuity ...

The Story Desk Editor drives daily editorial execution, curates and produces impactful stories, and ensures our content connects authentically with audiences across streaming, digital, social and ...

$125 - $150/hr

... stories that explore the biggest issues facing the military and veteran communities ... Story Editing Lead the professional development of our newsroom's audience engagement and ...

With the Story Desk Editors, provide editorial support for MSJs, producers and photojournalists, including reviewing scripts, videos and content for accuracy, grammar, AP style, digital best ...

Staff Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news about a ransomware incident to an embargoed biotech breakthrough. We're looking for an editor with ...

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news about a ransomware incident to an embargoed biotech breakthrough. We're looking for an editor with ...

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news about a ransomware incident to an embargoed biotech breakthrough. We're looking for an editor with ...

The news editor is also responsible for editing the story within their section and rewriting material on occasion prior to sending the stories around for editing - this also includes sending ...

This role combines storytelling, editing, motion design, videography, and AI fluency to create high-performing content across brand, social, performance marketing, employer brand, and internal ...

This role combines storytelling, editing, motion design, videography, and AI fluency to create high-performing content across brand, social, performance marketing, employer brand, and internal ...

This role combines storytelling, editing, motion design, videography, and AI fluency to create high-performing content across brand, social, performance marketing, employer brand, and internal ...

This role combines storytelling, editing, motion design, videography, and AI fluency to create high-performing content across brand, social, performance marketing, employer brand, and internal ...

$100 - $125/hr

This role combines storytelling, editing, motion design, videography, and AI fluency to create high-performing content across brand, social, performance marketing, employer brand, and internal ...

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Story Editor information

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How much do story editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for story editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a story editor?

Story editors are professionals in the film, television, or publishing industries responsible for evaluating, editing, and improving scripts or manuscripts. They work closely with writers to develop storylines, enhance characters, and ensure narrative consistency. Story editors may also provide feedback, suggest rewrites, and help maintain the creative vision of a project. Their role is crucial in refining stories to make them engaging and coherent for audiences.

How does a story editor typically collaborate with writers and other members of the production team?

As a Story Editor, you play a central role in shaping the narrative by working closely with writers to refine scripts, ensure consistency, and maintain the show's voice. You'll participate in writer's room discussions, give constructive feedback, and sometimes rewrite scenes for clarity or pacing. Collaboration also extends to producers and directors, especially when adapting scripts to fit budget or production constraints. Effective communication and the ability to balance creative vision with practical considerations are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Story Editor, you need strong narrative development skills, editorial expertise, and typically a background in writing, journalism, or film studies. Familiarity with scriptwriting software such as Final Draft or Celtx and knowledge of industry standards are commonly required. Exceptional communication, creativity, and collaboration skills help you guide writers and refine stories effectively. These abilities ensure cohesive, engaging narratives and smooth workflow in content production environments.

What is the difference between Story Editor vs Script Editor?

AspectStory EditorScript Editor
Primary RoleDevelops and refines storylines, ensures narrative consistencyReviews and edits scripts for language, structure, and continuity
Work EnvironmentTelevision, film, publishing industriesTelevision, film, theater productions
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in writing, journalism, or related fieldSimilar credentials, often with experience in screenwriting or editing
Employer UsageTV networks, publishers, production companiesTV studios, film production companies, publishing houses

While both roles involve editing, a Story Editor focuses on developing and shaping storylines and narratives, whereas a Script Editor concentrates on refining scripts for language, pacing, and technical accuracy. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the entertainment and publishing industries.

How do you become a story editor?

To become a story editor, candidates typically need a background in writing, editing, or film and television production, often with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Gaining experience through entry-level roles such as assistant or writer, developing strong storytelling and editing skills, and building a portfolio are important steps. Familiarity with industry software and understanding of narrative structure are also beneficial.

How much do story editors make?

Story editors typically earn between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the production company. Senior or highly experienced story editors working on major projects can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

What cities are hiring for Story Editor jobs?

Cities with the most Story Editor job openings:

What states have the most Story Editor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Story Editor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Story Editor jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Story Editor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Story Editor, NYT Magazine

New York, NY

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

The New York Times Magazine is looking for an experienced story editor to join our team. The editor will generate ideas quickly, make smart assignments for reported features and essays at a range of lengths, be able to experiment with new forms of visually-driven, digital-first packages and have a sophisticated understanding of long-form journalism.

You will possess a strong sense of narrative, structure and argument, and a keen ear for stylish prose. You should be able to work with a diverse roster of writers, and know how to identify and recruit new industry talent. The story editor will coordinate reporting, juggle many projects at various levels of completion, follow deadlines and stay on top of their writers to do the same. We value collaboration, creativity and the ability to stay calm in a high-stakes environment.

This is an in-office position, based in New York City and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance. 

Responsibilities:

  • Bring story ideas that demonstrate strong news judgment, subject-area expertise and audience awareness
  • Assign and edit feature articles, ideas-driven essays, visually-driven interactive stories, special packages and the occasional column
  • Lead a team of journalists including colleagues from design, photo, research, copy and production to shape and finalize stories for publication
  • Edit stories to the highest standards, with attention to accuracy, fairness, independence and narrative
  • Self-manage your own deadlines and set appropriate deadlines for your writers. Ensure that stories are in stable shape ahead of production
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world
  • This role reports to the Editor, Magazine.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 5+ years' editing experience at a major publication or media organization
  • Experience generating ideas for magazine stories and the ability to convert them into assignments
  • Skill and experience working with writers at every stage of a manuscript process, from pitching and honing ideas all the way down to close line editing
  • Demonstrated track record in leading collaborative teams

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Sharp editorial instincts and ability to think creatively about the future of narrative long-form journalism
  • Interest in and knowledge of a wide variety of subject matter
  • Deep familiarity with The New York Times Magazine

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

REQ-020218

Additional Compensation and Benefits

For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs. 

For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.