Photo Editors


Overview

Photo Editors

Introduction

Photo editors are responsible for the look of final photographs to be published in a book or periodical or that appear digitally. Some photo editors also work with video. They make photo and video assignments, judge and alter pictures and videos to meet assignment needs, and make sure all deadlines are met. They work for publishers, advertising agencies, photo and video stock agencies, greeting card companies, and any employer that relies heavily on visual images to sell its products or services. Photo editors comprise a small perce...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$48,838

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Some Postsecondary Training


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Experience

Five years’ experience


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Skills

Computer|Digital Media|Drawing/Design


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Personality Traits

Creative|Problem-Solving|Realistic

Earnings

Earnings for photo editors vary depending on where they work and their level of responsibility. PayScale.com reports that in March 2020, photo editors earned an average annual salary of $48,838, with a range from $33,000 to $78,000. If the editor is employed by a corporation, stock photo agency, or other business, he or she typically will receive health insurance, vacation time, and other benef...

Work Environment

Editors typically work in a comfortable office setting, with computers and other tools nearby. Depending on the workplace, the environment can be quiet and slow, or busy with plenty of interruptions. Deadline pressures can make the job of photo editing hectic at times. Tight production schedules may leave editors with little time to acquire photos or contract work out to photographers. Editors ...

Outlook

Photo editing has been a popular and in-demand field for many years. More and more companies are relying on a Web presence, complete with engaging visuals, to sell their products or services. Photo editors will also always be needed to help give a polished look to a printed publication, selecting just the right photos to deliver the right message to readers. The U.S. Department of Labor does no...