Editor salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Editors in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $47,300 a year ($22.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,450 for the top 10%. That is 39% lower than the national median of $77,920. Pay here is 17% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $57,200. There are 0.62 editors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $54,370, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for editors in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| 25th percentile | $47,300 | $22.74 |
| Median | $47,300 | $22.74 |
| 75th percentile | $48,790 | $23.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,450 | $34.83 |
| Average (mean) | $54,370 | $26.14 |
Half of editors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,941.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,970.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,819.23 |
| Weekly | $909.62 |
| Hourly | $22.74 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Editor salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $63,720 | 260 |
| Iowa City, IA | $63,440 | 100 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $61,880 | 90 |
| Dubuque, IA | $60,980 | 70 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $58,050 | 90 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $51,030 | 90 |
Highest-paying states for editors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $101,480 |
| California | $98,030 |
| Connecticut | $85,950 |
| District of Columbia | $83,920 |
| Massachusetts | $83,170 |
| New Jersey | $81,680 |
| Virginia | $80,590 |
| Rhode Island | $77,960 |
| Colorado | $77,870 |
| Washington | $77,850 |
See Editor pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,810 | $29.72 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $48,360 | $23.25 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $51,890 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $51,060 | $24.55 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,930 | $18.72 |
| Interior Designer | $59,470 | $28.59 |
| Producers and Directors | $51,500 | $24.76 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-3041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a editor make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for editors in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $47,300 a year, or $22.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid editors make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of editors in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $72,450 a year. The top 25% earn $48,790 or more.
What is the starting pay for editors in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,080 a year, and a quarter of editors earn $47,300 or less.
How many editors work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
About 50 editors are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.