Editors
(NOC 5122)
in All Arts, Culture, Recreation and SportEditors review, evaluate and edit manuscripts, articles, news reports and other material for publication, broadcast or interactive media and coordinate the activities of writers, journalists and other staff. Copy editors read and edit copy to be published or broadcast to detect and correct errors in spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. They are employed by publishing firms, magazines, journals, newspapers, radio and television networks and stations, and by companies and government departments that produce publications such as newsletters, handbooks, manuals and Web sites. Editors may also work on a freelance basis. Editors may specialize in a particular subject area, such as news, sports or features, or in a particular type of publication, such as books, magazines, newspapers or manuals.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent and jobseekers may face competition. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment (yet overall job prospects are still considered limited). With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Editors most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 53% of Editors who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $39,355. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$578
Minimum$33,199
Median$70,025
MaximumCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Editors review, evaluate and edit manuscripts, articles, news reports and other material for publication, broadcast or interactive media and coordinate the activities of writers, journalists and other staff. Copy editors read and edit copy to be published or broadcast to detect and correct errors in spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. They are employed by publishing firms, magazines, journals, newspapers, radio and television networks and stations, and by companies and government departments that produce publications such as newsletters, handbooks, manuals and Web sites. Editors may also work on a freelance basis. Editors may specialize in a particular subject area, such as news, sports or features, or in a particular type of publication, such as books, magazines, newspapers or manuals.
Job duties
Editors perform some or all of the following duties:
- Evaluate suitability of manuscripts, articles, news copy and wire service dispatches for publication, broadcast or electronic media and recommend or make changes in content, style and organization.
- Read and edit copy to be published or broadcast to detect and correct errors in spelling, grammar and syntax, and shorten or lengthen copy as space or time requires.
- Confer with authors, staff writers, reporters and others regarding revisions to copy.
- Plan and implement layout or format of copy according to space or time allocations and significance of copy.
- Plan and coordinate activities of staff and assure production deadlines are met.
- Plan coverage of upcoming events and assign work accordingly.
- Write or prepare introductions, marketing and promotional materials, bibliographic references, indexes and other text.
- May negotiate royalties with authors and arrange for payment of freelance staff.
Sample job titles
- advertising editor
- assistant editor
- book editor
- copy editor
- editor
- editor, Web site
- literary editor
- magazine editor
- newspaper editor
- technical editor
Skills
For these jobs, you should be organized, resourceful, and creative. A critical mind, excellent writing ability, and language skills are also necessary. At times, writing requires patience, self-discipline, and perseverance. Editors must be tactful and able to guide and encourage others. Copy editors require a sharp eye for detail. Good keyboarding skills and word processing skills are a definite asset.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in English, French, journalism or a related discipline is usually required.
- Membership in the Editors Association of Canada may be required.
- Editors who specialize in a specific subject matter may be required to have training in that subject.
Other considerations
Some people in these jobs work irregular hours including evenings and weekends. Several years of experience in journalism, writing, publishing or a related field are usually required. Progression to supervisory and management positions, such as editor-in-chief or managing editor, is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Northern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information, Culture & Recreation
Management, Admin & Other Support
Other Professional Services
Professional Business Services
Other Services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
65+
55-64
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$20,452 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$48,252 median annual incomeHigh school
$57,957 median annual incomeDoctorate
N/AMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
N/ACompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor's degree
$19,705 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,127 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$20,158 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,298 median annual incomeMaster's degree
N/AEducation & training
English language and literature - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
French language and literature (Canada) - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the French language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of French-speaking peoples.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Journalism - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the theory and practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news and that prepares individuals to be professional print journalists, news editors, and news managers. These programs include courses in news writing and editing; reporting; photojournalism; layout and graphic design; journalism law and policy; professional standards and ethics; research methods; and journalism history and criticism.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
Technical and scientific communication
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the communication of technical and scientific knowledge to a variety of audiences through print, video, and digital media; and that prepares individuals to function as technical writers and editors, documentation developers, web designers, and usability specialists. These programs include courses in scientific and technical writing and editing, graphic and information design, web design, audience analysis, document usability and field testing, publications management, and applications to specific technical fields.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.