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Editors

SOC 27-3041.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers editorial work across print, digital, and multimedia publishing environments, from entry-level copy editing and manuscript review through executive-level content strategy, team leadership, and organizational editorial governance.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors — identify and correct by reading copy carefully under direct editorial supervision in a print or digital newsroom.
  2. Standard reference sources — consult and apply to verify basic facts, dates, and statistics in submitted manuscripts with guidance from a senior editor.
  3. Word processing and document management software — use to track changes and annotate manuscripts during initial editorial review cycles.
  4. Submitted manuscripts — read and summarize key strengths and weaknesses for a senior editor's evaluation in a publishing or media environment.
  5. Reader and audience appeal — recognize and note when reviewing story or content ideas as part of an editorial team under close direction.
  6. Copy readability — improve through basic rewriting tasks assigned by a supervising editor in a structured editorial workflow.
  7. Desktop publishing and layout tools — operate at a foundational level to support production tasks under supervision in a publishing department.
  8. Editorial style guides — follow consistently when proofreading articles, newsletters, or web content in an entry-level editing role.
  9. Written drafts and articles — prepare short-form text such as news briefs or newsletter items under editorial direction in a media organization.
  10. Active listening and note-taking — apply during editorial meetings and author conferences to accurately capture feedback and revision instructions.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Grammar, style, and factual accuracy — independently review and correct across a steady volume of copy in a digital or print publishing environment.
  2. Reference databases and primary sources — routinely consult to verify statistics, dates, and claims in feature articles with minimal supervisory oversight.
  3. Manuscripts and submitted content — evaluate for structure, voice, and audience fit, then communicate revision recommendations directly to authors.
  4. Content ideas and editorial pitches — develop and refine by applying knowledge of audience demographics and platform requirements in a media organization.
  5. Copy for multiple content formats — rewrite and edit to improve readability and consistency across web, print, and social media channels with reduced oversight.
  6. Publication production schedules — monitor and coordinate artwork, layout, and typesetting tasks to support on-time delivery within budget in a mid-size editorial team.
  7. Feature articles, editorials, and web content — write independently to fill editorial gaps or meet specific coverage needs in a newsroom or content studio.
  8. Graphics and photo imaging software — apply to review and approve visual assets for editorial accuracy and style compliance during production cycles.
  9. Junior writers and fact-checkers — provide structured feedback and day-to-day guidance as an established member of an editorial team.
  10. Competing editorial priorities — manage by applying time management techniques to balance multiple assignments against publication deadlines.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex or high-stakes manuscripts — evaluate autonomously for content, organization, and publishability, negotiating substantive revisions directly with authors in a professional publishing context.
  2. Multilayered factual claims — verify across primary and secondary sources, applying advanced research judgment to ensure editorial accuracy in investigative or specialized content.
  3. Full editorial scope — oversee independently, encompassing copy editing, structural revision, and final approval across a publication's complete content pipeline.
  4. Non-routine editorial problems — resolve using critical thinking and deductive reasoning, such as restructuring a failing series or pivoting content strategy mid-cycle.
  5. Publication production workflow — manage end-to-end, coordinating printers, designers, and digital teams to meet deadline and budget requirements without escalation.
  6. Reporters and staff editors — supervise and coordinate, assigning coverage, reviewing output, and maintaining editorial standards across a full team.
  7. Audience engagement and content strategy — develop story ideas informed by analytics, market trends, and editorial mission in a competitive media environment.
  8. Web platform and desktop publishing tools — deploy proficiently to manage digital production, CMS workflows, and layout quality control across multiple channels.
  9. Long-form articles, editorials, and specialized reports — write and publish to a high professional standard, adapting voice and structure to the outlet's editorial identity.
  10. Author and contributor relationships — negotiate revision expectations and manage sensitive editorial conflicts with professionalism and persuasive communication.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Editorial vision and content strategy — define and champion at the organizational level, setting long-term direction for a publication, media brand, or content division.
  2. Editorial standards and style policies — establish and institutionalize across an organization, ensuring consistency and integrity throughout all publication channels and teams.
  3. Senior editors and department leads — develop and mentor, building organizational capability by coaching advanced editorial judgment and leadership skills.
  4. Cross-functional publication production — lead at executive scale, aligning editorial, design, technology, and business teams around shared deadlines and quality standards.
  5. Organizational editorial budgets and resource allocation — oversee and optimize, making high-stakes decisions about staffing, tooling, and production investment in a media enterprise.
  6. Audience analytics and market intelligence — synthesize and translate into editorial strategy, directing content innovation that sustains competitive positioning and reader growth.
  7. Complex organizational problems in editorial operations — solve through systems analysis and strategic judgment, such as redesigning workflows in response to platform disruption.
  8. External stakeholders, contributors, and industry partners — represent the organization in negotiations, partnerships, and public forums as a principal editorial voice.
  9. Ethical and legal editorial risks — adjudicate at the final decision-making level, applying integrity and institutional judgment on issues of accuracy, fairness, and publication liability.
  10. Emerging editorial technologies and platforms — evaluate and lead adoption of new tools such as AI-assisted writing or multimedia production systems to advance organizational capacity.

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Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Acquisitions Editor · Acute Editor · Advertising Editor · Art Editor · Assignment Editor · Book Editor · Business Editor · Censor · Communications Editor · Content Editor · Continuity Editor · Continuity Reader
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionWritingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingTime ManagementQuality Control AnalysisComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessActive LearningMonitoringCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingManagement of Personnel Resources
Knowledge domains
English LanguageCommunications and MediaAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and Electronics
Abilities
Written ComprehensionWritten ExpressionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionNear VisionSpeech RecognitionFluency of IdeasSpeech ClarityCategory FlexibilityDeductive Reasoning
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityLeadership OrientationIntellectual CuriosityAchievement OrientationIntegrity
Technology
Document management softwareVideo creation and editing softwareComputer based training softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareDesktop publishing softwareWord processing softwarePresentation softwareOperating system softwareWeb platform development software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
  2. Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
  3. Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
  4. Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
  5. Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
  6. Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
  7. Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.
  8. Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
CIP education codes
09.010009.010209.040109.040209.090809.100109.999923.130123.130223.130323.130423.139923.140123.140523.149952.050152.050252.0599

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.