Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Editors review, evaluate and edit manuscripts, articles, news reports and other material for publication or broadcast, and co-ordinate the activities of writers, journalists and other staff. They are employed by publishing firms, magazines, journals, newspapers, radio and television networks and stations, and by companies and government departments that produce newsletters, handbooks, manuals, or other publications. Editors may also work on a freelance basis.

Nature of Work

Editors review, evaluate and edit manuscripts, articles, news reports and other material for publication or broadcast, and co-ordinate the activities of writers, journalists and other staff. They are employed by publishing firms, magazines, journals, newspapers, radio and television networks and stations, and by companies and government departments that produce newsletters, handbooks, manuals, or other publications. Editors may also work on a freelance basis.

Duties

Editors review, evaluate and edit manuscripts, articles, news reports and other material for publication or broadcast, and co-ordinate the activities of writers, journalists and other staff. They are employed by publishing firms, magazines, journals, newspapers, radio and television networks and stations, and by companies and government departments that produce newsletters, handbooks, manuals, or other publications. Editors may also work on a freelance basis.

Example Titles

• editor
• production editor
• technical editor
• advertising editor
• news editor
• sports editor
• copy editor
• associate editor
• photo editor
• art editor
• manuscript editor
• script editor

Training Paths

Like writers, editors can come from various backgrounds. However, most have extensive post-secondary education. U of R offers a Bachelor's degree program through the School of Journalism. Pre-journalism may be completed through the U of R Faculty of Arts or through the U of S College of Arts and Science. In addition to possessing language and writing skills, many editors must be widely educated and have expertise in other fields. Many find a background in History, Political Science, Fine Art, Economics and/or Literature an asset. Composition and English or French classes from U of S or U of R are also recommended. FNUniv offers a Bachelor of Arts in English.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: fair

The number of editors in Saskatchewan tapered slightly between 1996 and 2001 but returned to earlier levels by 2006. According to Statistics Canada, there were 13% more editors in 2006 than there were five years earlier. It should be noted, however, that this is not a large occupation in Saskatchewan, and this increase in percent translates into a small number of new jobs. Even if this upward trend continues, prospective editors need to understand that this is not a large occupation in Saskatchewan. Further, it is a relatively young labour force. Nearly 50% of all editors in the province were younger than 45 in 2006. Consequently, not many jobs will be left open in the near future due to retirement. Some turnover will occur in the information, culture and recreation industries, but few new or replacement jobs can be expected.

Editors are not well paid in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income for employed editors was $46,000 per year. This marks a significant increase from 2000 and is higher than the provincial full-time average for all occupations in 2005 ($42,300 per year). Many editors earned more or less than the average income. Annual incomes for Saskatchewan editors ranged from $20,000 to $106,300 in 2005. Annual incomes in this field are fairly consistent throughout the province.

In 2006, employment for editors was divided equally between men and women; 49% of all Saskatchewan editors were male that year, virtually unchanged from 2001. Employment for editors is distributed fairly evenly throughout Saskatchewan. Sixty-five percent of all Saskatchewan editors worked in Regina or Saskatoon in 2006. While not unheard of, self-employment is rare in this field of work. Employment for editors is neither seasonal nor sensitive to overall economic conditions.

Advancements in technology have changed the nature of editing in the last decade. Editors who are conversant in Internet and other new technologies may have an advantage over others seeking work in this field. As more government work is contracted out, the greatest opportunities for editors in Saskatchewan may come from the private sector.

Professional Associations

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