Freelance Editor Salary in 2025

A career as a freelance editor and a freelance editor salary is one of the most rewarding and flexible options in the digital world. Whether you’re editing books, articles, academic papers, or marketing content, freelance editing can be a lucrative profession. But how much can a freelance editor actually earn in 2025? Let’s explore salary expectations, factors affecting earnings, and step-by-step guides to earning on different platforms.

Freelance Editor Salary in 2025

The salary of a freelance editor depends on experience, niche, and location. Here’s a breakdown of average earnings:

• Entry-Level (0-2 Years) – $20,000 to $40,000 per year
• Mid-Level (3-5 Years) – $40,000 to $70,000 per year
• Experienced (6+ Years) – $70,000 to $120,000+ per year
• Top Professionals – $150,000+ per year (working with big clients or publishing houses)

Freelance Editor Hourly Rates

Most freelance editors charge per word, per page, or per hour. The industry average rates in 2025 are:

• Per Word – $0.02 to $0.10 per word
• Per Page – $5 to $15 per page
• Per Hour – $25 to $100 per hour

Factors Affecting Freelance Editor Salary

1. Experience & Expertise – Editors with years of experience and specialized skills earn higher rates
2. Editing Type – Technical, medical, or legal editing pays more than general content editing
3. Client Type – Working with corporate clients and publishers offers higher pay than small businesses
4. Certifications – Having a degree or certification in editing increases your credibility and rates
5. Location – US, UK, Canada, and Australia offer higher-paying freelance gigs than other countries

How to Start Freelance Editing on Different Platforms?

If you’re looking to start or grow your career as a freelance editor, these platforms offer the best job opportunities. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to getting started on each platform.

Upwork (Visit Upwork)

Step-by-Step Guide to Start on Upwork

1. Sign Up & Create a Profile – Register on Upwork and create a strong profile highlighting your editing experience
2. Take Upwork Skill Tests – Complete grammar, proofreading, and editing tests to increase your credibility
3. Set Your Rates – Start with competitive pricing to get initial clients, then increase rates over time
4. Apply for Jobs – Search for editing jobs and submit custom proposals explaining how you can help the client
5. Deliver High-Quality Work – Maintain top quality to get 5-star reviews and improve your ranking
6. Build Long-Term Clients – Once you get positive reviews, pitch for long-term contracts with repeat clients

Fiverr (Visit Fiverr)

How to Start Editing on Fiverr?

1. Sign Up & Create a Gig – Choose a service like “Proofreading and Editing” and create an attractive gig
2. Optimize Your Gig – Use SEO-friendly keywords like “Freelance Editor” and “Proofreading Expert” in your title
3. Add Pricing Packages – Offer three packages: Basic, Standard, and Premium with different word counts
4. Create a Professional Portfolio – Upload samples of your editing work to attract clients
5. Promote Your Gig – Share your gig on social media, LinkedIn, and freelancing groups
6. Deliver Orders on Time – Ensure high-quality delivery and get good reviews to rank higher in Fiverr searches

Freelancer.com (Visit Freelancer)

Step-by-Step Process for Freelancer.com

1. Sign Up & Complete Your Profile – Add skills like “Proofreading,” “Copy Editing,” and “Content Editing”
2. Take Freelancer Skill Tests – Passing these tests boosts your chances of getting hired
3. Browse & Bid on Projects – Search for relevant jobs and place bids with personalized proposals
4. Win the First Project – Offer competitive pricing to land your first job
5. Deliver & Get Paid – Once you complete the job successfully, request payment and leave a review

Reedsy (Visit Reedsy)

How to Work as a Freelance Editor on Reedsy?

1. Create a Profile – Sign up and build a detailed profile showcasing your editing expertise
2. Apply for Book Editing Jobs – Authors post book editing requests, and you can send quotes
3. Set Competitive Pricing – Reedsy editors charge between $500-$5,000 per book depending on length and complexity
4. Build a Strong Portfolio – Completing a few projects successfully will help you attract high-paying authors

FlexJobs (Visit FlexJobs)

Steps to Get Started on FlexJobs

1. Sign Up for a Subscription – Unlike other platforms, FlexJobs requires a paid subscription for job access
2. Apply for Remote Editing Jobs – Search for editing-related remote jobs that fit your expertise
3. Network with Recruiters – Many top companies hire remote editors through FlexJobs

How to Increase Your Freelance Editor Earnings?

1. Specialize in a High-Paying Niche – Technical, medical, or legal editing jobs pay the highest
2. Build a Strong Portfolio – Showcasing previous work helps attract high-paying clients
3. Network & Market Yourself – Use LinkedIn, personal websites, and freelancing platforms
4. Offer Additional Services – Providing proofreading, formatting, or consulting can increase earnings
5. Negotiate Your Rates – Don’t settle for low-paying jobs; charge based on your expertise

Real-Life Success Story – How Sarah Became a Six-Figure Freelance Editor

Sarah, a former English teacher, started freelance editing in 2019 with just a few clients from Fiverr. Over time, she expanded her skills, took online certifications, and specialized in academic editing.

By 2023, she had built a reputation and started charging premium rates. In 2024, she secured a contract with a major publishing house, allowing her to make over $120,000 per year while working from home.

Today, Sarah runs her own editing business, mentoring new freelancers and helping them achieve financial independence.

Final Thoughts

Freelance editing is a profitable career if you have strong language skills, attention to detail, and a passion for refining content. In 2025, the demand for skilled editors is high, making it a great time to start. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time career, editing can be a lucrative and fulfilling choice.