Editor Salaries in United Kingdom

The average salary for an Editor is £42,549 per year in United Kingdom. Salaries estimates are based on 2169 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Editor employees in United Kingdom.

The highest salary for an Editor in United Kingdom is £57,380 per year.

The lowest salary for an Editor in United Kingdom is £32,135 per year.

Editor pay varies depending on whether they are working in the newspaper industry, book publishing industry, technical publications, or professional publications. Editors who work for professional, scientific or technical publications tend to earn the most. Some editors also earn royalties off book sales or published articles via the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society. The small subset of editors who discover and assist with the refining of a successful manuscript have high earning potential.

To target the top end of the scale as an editor and command a higher salary, you’ll be at a competitive edge with a master's degree in English or a related field. While a bachelor's degree is generally required for any entry-level position, pursuing a postgraduate could significantly boost your earning potential significantly. Since positions are competitive and editor careers are impacted by portfolio quality, continuously update yours to showcase your most impressive work. Editing is a flexible position, so you can always expand your portfolio with a series of smaller assignments gained through remote, contract, volunteer, or part-time positions. These types of roles are also helpful in gaining professional experience and skills; the more, the better, so embrace those opportunities and build a solid portfolio.

With a strong portfolio in hand, you're well prepared for the negotiating table. Use this as a marketing tool to highlight your best work, and explore the stories behind each piece. If you spent extra hours nailing down a specific piece or worked closely with the writer, for instance, share that insight. Anything that sets you apart helps determine your value and could earn you a higher salary in your job as an editor. If you're bargaining in an established position, ask for a raise in the 15% range. If you're a contract or freelance worker, ask for a 15% or more increase using your portfolio to back up why this is justified.

About 62.72% of Editor professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £2,594 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of an Editor in United Kingdom as a good salary.

Editor professionals in United Kingdom have a wide total pay range, between £25,206 and £76,950 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £42,549 following the average career path of an Editor.