Employment for editors of magazines, newspapers, books, and directories is expected to decline by 3 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Rising printing costs, and the popularity of mobile technology, have forced some magazines to reduce the number of issues printed or transition their print products to electronic-only publications.

Despite these developments, magazine publishing remains a dynamic industry. In fact, more than 91 percent of American adults read magazines, according to MPA–The Association of Magazine Media. Magazines are launched every other day of the year or so, although the majority fail. According to MPA, 191 new magazines were introduced in 2018. The magazine industry will continue as it is a critical medium for advertisers. According to the research firm IBISWorld, global magazine publishing industry revenue totaled $65 billion in 2018. Magazine circulation has remained steady in recent years, but magazine publishers continue to struggle with adopting to new forms of media and coming up with strategies for digital monitization.

A recent trend in magazine publishing is focus on a special interest. There is increasing opportunity for employment at special interest, trade, and association magazines for those whose backgrounds complement a magazine's specialty. Internet publishing will also provide increasing job opportunities as more businesses develop online publications. The MPA reports that the number of adults over 18 years old who read digital editions of magazines continues to grow each year, from nearly 211 million in 2012 to nearly 225 million in 2018. Magazine editing is keenly competitive, however, and as with any career, the applicant with the most education and experience, as well as skill working with a variety of electronic and digital tools, has a better chance of landing a job.

Magazine Editors

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