Photo Editor

Impact: Visual

Photo editors select, edit, and prepare photographs for publication in various media, ensuring visual quality and adherence to artistic and technical specifications.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
Team: 60%, Solo: 40%
Client facing
Sometimes
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Low
Schedule flexibility
Flexible
Remote work
Hybrid
Typical work hours
40
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$55,000
Entry-level
$35,000
Senior
$80,000
Growth by 2033
5%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
High
Salary growth potential
Moderate
Typical student debt
$25,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Image Manipulation
  • Color Correction

Soft skills

  • Creativity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Bachelor's Degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
4
Years to senior
8
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Junior Photo Editor
      2. Photo Editor
      3. Senior Photo Editor
      4. Art Director

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      Moderate
      AI disruption risk
      Moderate
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      4/10
      Meaning
      3.5/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      5/10
      Social perception
      Moderate

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