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The differences between assignment editors and managing editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an assignment editor and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $48,582 average annual salary of an assignment editor.
The top three skills for an assignment editor include twitter, assignment desk and phone calls. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.
| Assignment Editor | Managing Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $48,582 | $89,060 |
| Hourly rate | $23.36 | $42.82 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 11,919 | 16,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An assignment editor is responsible for handling and delegating tasks to news staff, identifying news sources, and developing accurate and efficient news articles for media and publishing companies. Assignment editors monitor situations for the public's awareness, requiring them to work at the office and conduct field investigations alternately. They also manage the scope and limitation of news coverage, finalizing scripts for television airings, and ensuring that all details are factual-based. An assignment editor should be highly communicative and organizational, as well as attentive, having the ability to finish newsworthy stories within strict deadlines.
Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.
Assignment editors and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assignment Editor | Managing Editor | |
| Average salary | $48,582 | $89,060 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $74,000 | Between $59,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | The Washington Post | Federal Reserve Bank |
| Best paying industry | Media | Media |
There are a few differences between an assignment editor and a managing editor in terms of educational background:
| Assignment Editor | Managing Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Communication | Journalism |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between assignment editors' and managing editors' demographics:
| Assignment Editor | Managing Editor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.6% Asian, 6.3% White, 76.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |