Newspaper editor
Also known as: graphics editor, sports editor, newspaper graphics editor, news editor, newspaper news editor
About this occupation
Newspaper editors decide which news stories are interesting enough and will be covered in the paper. They assign journalists to each item. Newspaper editors determine the length of each news article and where it will be featured in the newspaper. They also ensure that publications are finished on time for publishing.
A specialisation of journalist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- create editorial board
- use specific writing techniques
- consult information sources
- adapt to changing situations
- participate in editorial meetings
- press law
- ensure consistency of published articles
- editorial standards
- check stories
- follow the news
- copyright legislation
- meet deadlines
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Editors (O*NET 27-3041.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
- Write text, such as headlines, stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.
- Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
- Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
- Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
- Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Writing, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Time Management
US median pay: US$77,920 a year (2025), 91,690 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.8)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaExtremely important (4.8)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers
- Film and Video Editors
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
- Writers and Authors
- Technical Writers
- Producers and Directors
- Desktop Publishers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Art Directors
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.