Merit and longevity pay could raise the latter amount considerably. Smaller newspapers generally offer lower starting salaries than do the newspapers in the larger metropolitan areas. Copy editors working at night may receive slightly higher wages. However, smaller newspapers may require fewer regular hours. Work in excess of the standard is usually compensated at one and one-half times the basic rate, although smaller papers are less likely to pay overtime rates.
Overtime is infrequent, though major or last minute news developments sometimes require extra work.
Hours for Copy Editors may be more regular than those of other newspaper employees, although weekend work is not uncommon. Weekend work is either rotated among staff members or assigned on a permanent basis with compensating weekdays off. Fringe benefits usually include health insurance, vacations, sick leave, holidays, and retirement benefits. Prior experience either in reporting or in editing is generally a prerequisite for Copy Editors. Previous newspaper experience is preferred, but experience reporting for other media such as radio, television, or magazines may be acceptable.