Picture editor
Also known as: image editor, photograph editor, picture selector and organiser, photo editor, picture selector and organizer
About this occupation
Picture editors select and approve photographs and illustrations for newspapers, journals and magazines. Picture editors make sure that the photographs are delivered on time for publication.
A specialisation of journalist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- ICT software specifications
- supervise staff
- graphic design
- press law
- copyright legislation
- edit photographs
- post-processing of photographs
- consult information sources
- editorial standards
- meet deadlines
- consult with editor
- develop professional network
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Photographers (O*NET 27-4021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
- Typical education (US)
- Some College Courses
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Artistic, Conventional
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$44,660 a year (2025), 51,760 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).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.2)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (3.7)
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsVery important (3.5)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.4)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (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 Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Some College Courses
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
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.
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
- Graphic Designers
- Special Effects Artists and Animators
- Art Directors
- Prepress Technicians and Workers
- Film and Video Editors
- Craft Artists
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
- Writers and Authors
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.