ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Editor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Distant Moon

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Handle basic temp sound design, music editing, and supporting audio work during editorial process * Source archival footage, music, and supporting media assets when needed * Prepare projects for ...

Distant Moon

Sr. Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Handle temp sound design, music editing, and supporting audio work during the editorial process * Source archival footage, music, and supporting media assets when needed * Upload and manage review ...

Shield AI

Staff Video Editor (R5256)

Washington, DC

$100K - $150K/yr

You are a creative, detail-oriented editor with strong technical expertise and a refined ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

Shield AI

Staff Video Editor (R5256)

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

You are a creative, detail-oriented editor with strong technical expertise and a refined ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEditor JobsTemporary Editor JobsTemporary Editor Jobs in Washington

Temporary Editor information

See Washington salary details

$14

$32

$53

How much do temporary editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary editor in Washington is $32.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.05 and $36.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Temporary Editor vs Freelance Editor?

AspectTemporary EditorFreelance Editor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in journalism, communications, or related fieldSame as Temporary Editor, often with additional portfolio or freelance experience
Work EnvironmentEmployed by a company or publication for a set periodWorks independently, often remotely, with multiple clients
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by publishing houses, media outlets, and corporationsCommon among independent professionals and small publishing projects
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for temporary, short-term editing roles within organizationsIndividuals seeking flexible, project-based editing work

The main difference between a Temporary Editor and a Freelance Editor lies in employment status and work setup. Temporary Editors are hired by organizations for a specific period, often with a fixed contract, while Freelance Editors operate independently, managing multiple clients and projects. Both roles require similar credentials, but their work environments and employment arrangements differ significantly.

What are Temporary Editors?

Temporary Editors are professionals hired on a short-term or contract basis to edit content, such as articles, books, or multimedia projects. They may fill in for permanent staff during busy periods, cover for absences, or assist with special projects. Temporary Editors are expected to have strong editing skills and adapt quickly to the style and standards of the organization. Their contracts can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the organization's needs. This role is common in publishing houses, newsrooms, and media organizations.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Editor, you need strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or communications. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), word processing software, and style guides like AP or Chicago Manual of Style is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for meeting deadlines and collaborating with various stakeholders. These competencies ensure high-quality, error-free content production within tight timeframes, which is crucial for success in temporary editorial roles.

How does a Temporary Editor typically integrate with existing editorial teams during short-term assignments?

Temporary Editors are often brought in to support ongoing projects or fill staffing gaps, so they must quickly adapt to established editorial workflows and team dynamics. This involves familiarizing themselves with the publication's style guide, content management systems, and communication channels. Temporary Editors usually collaborate closely with writers, permanent editors, and sometimes designers to ensure consistency and meet deadlines. Flexibility and strong interpersonal skills are essential, as the ability to hit the ground running directly impacts both project success and team cohesion.
What are the most commonly searched types of Editor jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Editor jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Temporary Editor jobs in Washington? For Temporary Editor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Editor jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Editor jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Temporary Editor jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Temporary Editor job openings:
Temporary Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Editor job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 69% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,739 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Film Editor

Distant Moon

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Distant Moon Film Editor | Leesburg, VA

Distant Moon is an award-winning production company seeking a Film Editor to help shape documentary, commercial, and narrative projects from assembly through final delivery.

This role is for an editor with strong storytelling instincts, solid technical ability, and a good sense of pacing, structure, and tone. We're looking for someone who can take creative direction, collaborate well with directors and post-production leadership, and consistently produce polished editorial work across a range of projects.

We care far more about the quality of an editor's work, storytelling instincts, and creative judgment than checking every box on a rsum.

What You'll Do

  • Edit projects through all stages of post-production, from assembly through final delivery
  • Collaborate closely with directors and post-production leadership to shape story, pacing, tone, and structure
  • Organize, sync, label, and manage footage and project assets
  • Build rough cuts, fine cuts, and polished client-facing edits
  • Handle basic temp sound design, music editing, and supporting audio work during editorial process
  • Source archival footage, music, and supporting media assets when needed
  • Prepare projects for color, sound, VFX, and final delivery
  • Upload and manage review versions through Frame.io
  • Maintain organized project files suitable for collaboration and archival
  • Track project tasks and time through internal workflow systems
What We're Looking For
  • Approximately 3 - 5+ years of professional editing experience across documentary, commercial, branded, narrative, or related content environments
  • A portfolio or reel demonstrating strong storytelling instincts, pacing, structure, and creative judgment
  • Strong working knowledge of Premiere Pro and Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Ability to take feedback well, adapt quickly, and collaborate effectively within a post-production team
  • Organized, dependable, and comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines
  • Self-directed with strong attention to detail and follow-through

Exceptional portfolios and demonstrated storytelling ability may be considered in place of traditional experience requirements.

Bonus Experience

  • After Effects or motion graphics experience
  • Color workflow familiarity
  • On-set production experience
  • Interest in long-form narrative filmmaking
Work Environment

Distant Moon operates from a purpose-built creative studio in Leesburg, Virginia designed specifically for filmmakers, editors, and storytellers. Our workspace was intentionally built to support collaboration, focused editorial work, production planning, and creative development across all stages of filmmaking.

This is an in-person role working alongside directors, editors, producers, and creatives in a highly collaborative studio environment. The space includes dedicated edit suites, production areas, collaborative workspaces, and creative gathering spaces designed to support both focused work and team collaboration.

While much of the role involves desk-based editorial work, team members may occasionally assist with production-related activities, equipment movement, or on-set support as needed.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.