The answer to this question depends on a wide range of factors, including the type of editing being done, the level of experience of the editor, and the market in which they’re operating.
In general, experienced editors (those with a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field, extensive editing experience, and mastery of the English language) can make a good income if they have a stable stream of well-paying clients. Some full-time professional editors can make between $50,000 to $75,000 annually.
Freelance editors often charge on a per-project basis, so their income can fluctuate month to month depending on the number of jobs they secure and the length or complexity of those pprojects. According to Glassdoor, freelance editors earned an average rate of $24.26 per hour in the United States.
Geographical location is also an important factor in how much money an editor can make. Editors in metropolitan areas, those with access to high-paying corporate and publishing clients, will usually fare better than editors working in rural areas or small towns.
Editors who are willing to specialize in certain subject areas such as scholarly journals, business publications, or other fields may be able to find higher paying clients and make more money.
Overall, whether or not editors make good money depends on a variety of factors. With the specialized skills required, editors have the potential to make a very good living. It is possible to make a full-time living as an editor in today’s market — it just takes some hard work, dedication, and knowing how to find your best clients.
I hope this information was helpful!
