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The differences between assignment editors and photo 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 photo editor. Additionally, a photo editor has an average salary of $63,168, 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 photo editor are adobe photoshop, stock photography, and photo shoots.
| Assignment Editor | Photo Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $48,582 | $63,168 |
| Hourly rate | $23.36 | $30.37 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 11,919 | 10,068 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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.
Photo Editors are employees in the creatives or marketing department of the company. They handle photos used by the company for its marketing collaterals, social media posts, or publishing. They also ensure that the photos are in line with the company's brand and image. Photo Editors may add items or elements to make the photo more eye-catching.
Assignment editors and photo editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Assignment Editor | Photo Editor | |
| Average salary | $48,582 | $63,168 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $74,000 | Between $38,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | The Washington Post | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Media | Professional |
There are a few differences between an assignment editor and a photo editor in terms of educational background:
| Assignment Editor | Photo Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 85% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Communication | Photography |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between assignment editors' and photo editors' demographics:
| Assignment Editor | Photo Editor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4% |
| 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, 7.0% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |