Writing, translating and related communications professionals

How to become an Editor

Official title: Editors

Also called: Editor, Art editor, Sub-editor, Book editor, City editor, Copy editor, Line editor, News editor, French editor, Script editor, Senior editor, Sports editor

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. 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.

Main tasks

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

How to become one

A bachelor's degree in English, French, journalism or a related discipline is usually required. Several years of experience in journalism, writing, publishing or a related field are 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.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 14 universities in Canada

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $67,509 a year The middle half earn $50,700 to $80,925.
About 14,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 15,200 are projected by 2033. (+8.6%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become an Editor?

How much does an Editor earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $67,509 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $50,700 to $80,925.

Is an Editor a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 14,000 to about 15,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become an Editor?

Usually. 79% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03