Writers and Editors
Description OES Code: 34002
Originate and prepare written material such as scripts, stories, news items, advertisements, and other material. Coordinate, edit, and analyze prepared written material. Include Managing Editors. Exclude Publicity Writers, Public Relations Specialists, and Technical Writers.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $14.69
25th Percentile $18.67
50th Percentile $26.56
75th Percentile $39.02

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.23
25th Percentile $13.06
50th Percentile $17.84
75th Percentile $26.33

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The workweek usually runs 35 to 40 hours. Those who prepare morning or weekend publications and broadcasts work some nights and weekends. Writers, especially newswriters, occasionally work overtime to meet deadlines or to cover late-developing stories. Deadlines and erratic work hours may often be part of the daily routine for these jobs.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 14,300
Projected Employment 2008 18,200
Percent Change 1998-2008 27.3%
Separations 1998-2008 4,300

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 60
Projected Employment 2006 80
Percent Change 1999-2006 33.3%
Separations 1999-2006 10

Employment Trends by California County

Employment of writers and editors is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. Employment of salaried writers and editors for newspapers, periodicals, book publishers, and nonprofit organizations is expected to increase as demand grows for their publications. Magazines and other periodicals increasingly are developing market niches, appealing to readers with special interests. Also, online publications and services are growing in number and sophistication, spurring the demand for writers and editors. Businesses and organizations are developing Internet websites and more companies are experimenting with publishing materials directly for the Internet. Advertising and public relations agencies, which also are growing, should be another source of new jobs.

Advancement
Opportunities for advancement can be limited, however. In larger businesses, jobs usually are more formally structured. Beginners generally do research, fact checking, or copy editing. They take on full-scale writing or editing duties less rapidly than do the employees of small companies. Advancement often is more predictable, though, coming with the assignment of more important articles.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Opportunities for newswriting and editing positions on small daily and weekly newspapers and in small radio and television stations, where the pay is low, should be better than those in larger media markets. Some small publications hire freelance copy editors as backup for staff editors or as additional help with special projects. Persons preparing to be writers and editors benefit from academic preparation in another discipline as well, either to qualify them as writers specializing in that discipline or as a career alternative if they are unable to get a job in writing.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
A college degree generally is required for a position as a writer or editor. Although some employers look for a broad liberal arts background, most prefer to hire people with degrees in communications, journalism, or English. For those who specialize in a particular area, such as science, fashion, or legal issues, additional background in the chosen field is helpful.

Technical writing requires a degree in, or some knowledge about, a specialized fields; engineering, business, or one of the sciences, for example. In many cases, people with good writing skills can learn specialized knowledge on the job. Some transfer from jobs as technicians, scientists, or engineers. Others begin as research assistants, or trainees in a technical information department, develop technical communication skills, and then assume writing duties.

Skills & Other Requirements
Writers and editors must be able to express ideas clearly and logically and should love to write. Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance also are valuable. Writers and editors must demonstrate good judgment and a strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish. Editors also need tact and the ability to guide and encourage others in their work.

For some jobs, the ability to concentrate amid confusion and to work under pressure is essential. Familiarity with electronic publishing, graphics, and video production equipment increasingly is needed. Online newspapers and magazines require knowledge of computer software used to combine online text with graphics, audio, video, and 3-D animation.

References
Us Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: News Analysts, Reporters, and Correspondents; Radio and Television Announcers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)