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Temporary Editor Jobs in Washington, DC (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 ...

Inotivco

Report Writer II, Temporary

Rockville, MD

$35/hr

TEMPORARY ROLE UNTIL 12/31/2026: The Report Writer is responsible for preparing accurate, high ... Must have a broad understanding of writing/editing in Microsoft Word, as well as a working ...

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Temporary Editor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$32

$53

How much do temporary editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary editor in Washington, DC 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 is a temporary editor?

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, DC?

The most popular types of Editor jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Editor jobs in Washington, DC?

For Temporary Editor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Editor jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Editor jobs in Washington, DC are:

Temporary Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Editor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,739 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Temporary Editor I, Homepage and Engagement

NPR

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$49.28/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Application Deadline: Monday, August 10th at 9:00AM EST Intro to Position

NPR's Homepage and Engagement team is  looking for a weekend and evening  editor adept at audience strategy to help ensure that NPR is nimble in its digital storytelling, and can help distribute our reporting on- and off-platform to meet the needs of our audience.
We are looking for an editor who is capable of exercising stellar news judgment, having an eye for what stories audiences are interested in and optimizing our journalism to fit varying distribution channels. It also means jumping in at a moment's notice to strategize how we should cover a breaking news event.
The right candidate for this position should be comfortable shifting seamlessly between different coverage areas, from political news to science coverage, and have hands-on experience working across various different third-party platforms. They should thrive in a high-adrenaline news environment, and can think quickly and creatively about how we reach and retain new audiences.

This is a temporary 6 month assignment, ending on March 15th 2027. 

This is a union represented role covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA.  

Responsibilities
  • Manages all parts of the homepage surfaces on npr.org and the NPR app including placing member station stories and managing video and audio content.
  • Drafts and edits display copy, including story headlines, social media summaries and alert language.
  • Sends push notifications for planned features and breaking news.
  • Creates and manages headline tests
  • Liaises with our third-party platforms to distribute our daily journalism, including Apple News and Flipboard.
  • Perform keyword research and advise SEO for daily news items.
  • Monitor social media and search trends and recommend story assignments based on audience and news demands.
  • Write and edit for the web and social media with speed, accuracy and voice while on deadline and/or under pressure.
  • Be well versed in audience metrics and use real-time analytics to inform decision making.
  • Exhibits stellar news judgment and ensures all materials meet NPR News standards and practices, including standards of accuracy and fairness.
  • Show flexibility in priorities and subject matter under tight deadlines.
  • Willing to work weekends and evenings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

Minimum Qualifications
  • At least three years of experience editing and managing branded social accounts on deadline, preferably at a news organization
  • Experience working in journalism 
  • Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing for digital platforms
  • Demonstrated news judgment
  • Demonstrated familiarity with AP Style
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently under deadline pressure
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions
  • Ability to both work independently and collaborate with others
  • Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating, at all times, respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system. 
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, or a writing-intensive discipline (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
Work Location & Requirements
  • SAG-AFTRA Hybrid Permitted: This is a hybrid permitted role. Some aspects of this role require duties better performed at an NPR facility. The employee will be required to be in the office at the [Washington, D.C. or Culver City] location at least 3 days per week. . The employee must also reside in an NPR-supported location based on the number of on-site days they choose.
Job Type
  • This is a temporary full-time position. Schedule: Thursday-Monday. Weekday Hours (Th/Fri/Mon): 12:30PM-9:00PM EST. Weekends Hours (Sat/Sun) 10:00AM-6:30PM EST
Compensation

Hourly Rate: The U.S. based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $49.28 per hour. The hourly rate displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

Benefits: NPR offers access to comprehensive benefits for employees and dependents. Regular, full-time employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll in NPR's benefits options. Benefits include access to health and wellness, paid time off, and financial well-being. Plan options include medical, dental, vision, life/ accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term disability, and voluntary retirement savings to all eligible NPR employees. 

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