Editor

Editors oversee the editing of written material. They may review proposals and drafts for publication, and manage editorial staff.

Also known as

Copy editor, website editor, news editor, publications editor, book editor, sub editor, magazine editor

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings and weekends
  • Usually work in offices and newsrooms
  • Need to be accurate, communicate well and identify and solve problems

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$50K-$150K 50000

Typical tasks

  • Edit written materials
  • Verify accuracy of data
  • Determine presentation subjects or content
  • Coordinate activities of production personnel
  • Write informational material
  • Manage content of broadcasts or presentations
  • Discuss production content and progress with others
  • Design layouts for print publications
  • Manage operations of artistic or entertainment departments or organisations
  • Co-ordinate reporting or editing activities

Outlook

Editing is changing as publishing, news, marketing and education content move further online. Organisations need clear, trustworthy content across websites, social media, video and print, but traditional publishing and media roles can be competitive. Artificial intelligence is speeding up drafting and routine editing, while increasing the need for human judgement, fact-checking, voice and ethical standards. Digital accessibility and audience-focused content are also growing priorities.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Excellent written English, grammar and attention to detail
  • Ability to make content clear, accurate and suited to its audience
  • Strong fact-checking, research and editorial judgement
  • Respect for deadlines and ability to manage several tasks
  • Confidence using digital publishing and content-management tools
  • Awareness of copyright, accessibility, ethics and different perspectives

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.

This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.