Editors
SOC Code: 27-3041
Editors carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $75,260 and +0.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 115,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 38% AI exposure, Editors sits 1 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 63% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Editors sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Editors has ai exposure of 38%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Editors vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Editors is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Editors (SOC 27-3041) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 115,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.6% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $75,260, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Editors. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 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.
- 9. Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.
- 10. Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Time Management
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
- Geography
- Telecommunications
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Editors?
Editors has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Editors?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Editors is projected to grow by 0.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 115,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Editors?
Key skills for Editors include Reading Comprehension, Writing, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Editors earn?
The median annual wage for Editors is $75,260, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Editors?
The typical entry-level education for Editors is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Editors?
Editors roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).