Lexicographers
Overview
Introduction
Lexicographers research word usage and history, record citations, and write and edit entries for dictionaries. They are employed by major dictionary publishers and publishers of specialized dictionaries, such as medical, law, and foreign language dictionaries.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The earnings of lexicographers are comparable to other writers and editors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median annual earnings for salaried writers and authors were $62,170 in May 2018, and median annual earnings for salaried editors were $59,480. Salaries for writers and editors ranged from less than $31,500 to more than $121,670.
Benefits for full-time workers include va...
Work Environment
Lexicographers work in office settings or at home. They spend most of their time reading books, magazines, and other materials and working on their computers. Lexicographers employed by dictionary publishers usually work a standard 40-hour week. Freelance lexicographers have more flexible hours. They might work 12 hours one day, and only four the next day. Lexicographers may have to work extra ...
Outlook
Employment in book, newspaper, directory, and periodical publishing is expected to decline by nearly 77 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Despite this prediction, employment for experienced lexicographers should remain relatively stable over the next decade because the field is so small and publishers will still need the services of indexers. Lexicographers are im...
