Copy editor | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Copy editors check text before it's published in books, journals and websites.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
Develop story or content

Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.
Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.
Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.
Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.
Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.
Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.
Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.
Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.
Arrange for copyright permissions.
Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.

Average salary
37,585 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Copy editor

Big gender gap

41,279 GBP
31,048 GBP

Average salary for part-time Copy editor

Average salary for full-time Copy editor

Showing:

13,081 GBP
11,320 GBP

37,585 GBP
31,048 GBP
41,279 GBP

Salary over time for Copy editor

Salary for this role has increased over time

35,611 GBP
33,492 GBP
33,900 GBP
34,433 GBP
37,224 GBP
36,978 GBP
37,585 GBP
40,162 GBP
39,673 GBP

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Future outlook for Copy editors

Balanced outlook

71 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

1% yearly wage growth (on average)

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Copy editor and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

80% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
17% of people in this role have a Master's degree
1% of people in this role have some postgraduate study, but not a masters or doctorate

You'll need:

knowledge of English language
knowledge of media production and communication
the ability to read English
excellent verbal communication skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
excellent written communication skills
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Copy editor

Copy Editing

Attention to Detail - This job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Integrity - This job requires being honest and ethical.

Adaptability/Flexibility - This job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Cooperation - This job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Dependability - This job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

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Copy editor | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Future outlook for Copy editors

Copy editor - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Copy editor interview

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