2491 Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors

In short

• ONS unit group 2491, in minor group 249 (Media professionals) and major group 2 (Professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): On the list: Table 1, Table 2.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £39,600 (£20.31 per hour)
  • Table 2, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £32,200 (£16.51 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors evaluate, manage and oversee the editorial direction for the style and content of features and stories for broadcasting and for newspapers, magazines, news websites and periodicals.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess a degree or equivalent qualification and significant relevant experience. A variety of postgraduate diplomas are available. Vocational qualifications covering various aspects of journalism are available at levels 3 and 4.

Tasks

• commissions articles and selects material for broadcast or publication
• checks style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arranges for any necessary revisions
• decides on lay out of material in news websites, newspapers, magazines, or periodicals
• liaises with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing

Related job titles

• Editor
• Content editor (newspapers, magazines)
• Digital editor
• Online editor

ONS note: Unit group title was Newspaper and periodical editors (version V7).

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2491 Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£39,600 (£20.31 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£35,600 (£18.26 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on 25th percentile Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data

SOC 2020 occupation code

2491 Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

2471

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£32,200 (£16.51 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£28,900 (£14.82 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£25,700 (£13.18 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 249

• 2492 Newspaper and periodical broadcast journalists and reporters
• 2493 Public relations professionals
• 2494 Advertising accounts managers and creative directors

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

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