Associate editor vs managing editor

The differences between associate 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 associate editor and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $55,999 average annual salary of an associate editor.

The top three skills for an associate editor include wordpress, web content and SEO. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

Associate editor vs managing editor overview

	Associate Editor	Managing Editor
Yearly salary	$55,999	$89,060
Hourly rate	$26.92	$42.82
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	4,664	16,781
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

What does an associate editor do?

The primary role of an Associate Editor is to ensure that subordinates submit high-quality content. They review and edit copies, set deadlines, and supervise the production details of magazines, newspapers, books, or websites.

What does a managing editor do?

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.

Associate editor vs managing editor salary

Associate editors and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Associate Editor	Managing Editor
Average salary	$55,999	$89,060
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $79,000	Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying City	Stoughton, MA	Washington, DC
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Connecticut
Best paying company	Eli Lilly and Company	Federal Reserve Bank
Best paying industry	Media	Media

Differences between associate editor and managing editor education

There are a few differences between an associate editor and a managing editor in terms of educational background:

	Associate Editor	Managing Editor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common major	English	Journalism
Most common college	Northwestern University	Northwestern University

Associate editor vs managing editor demographics

Here are the differences between associate editors' and managing editors' demographics:

	Associate Editor	Managing Editor
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 43.2% Female, 56.8%	Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.3% 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%

Differences between associate editor and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Associate editor example responsibilities.

Lead development and launch of typesetting service.
Project manage and write RFP submissions for private industry and federal request for proposals.
Manage proofreading process for RFP responses, collateral, and other documents to ensure consistency and high quality.
Assume full editorial responsibility when editor are unavailable, including managing social media accounts and assigning content to freelancers and photographers.
Share responsibility for site's twitter account.
Design and laid out client reports using InDesign and PowerPoint.

Managing editor example responsibilities.

Manage programs such as schedule overhaul, YouTube channel creation, and new blog site.
Manage editorial process: assigning stories to line-editing to HTML publishing/page placement.
Manage editorial departments: ensure timely receipt of copy and photos, including coordinating and overseeing all freelance and in-house submissions.
Edit and proofread submissions for weekly publication.
Proofread and edit articles for several UN publications.
Launch and create the first digital edition online and via iPad.

Associate editor vs managing editor skills

Common associate editor skills

WordPress, 9%
Web Content, 8%
SEO, 7%
Edit Content, 6%
Proofreading, 6%
Twitter, 3%

Common managing editor skills

Web Content, 13%
Editorial Content, 10%
SEO, 7%
Editorial Calendar, 5%
Digital Content, 5%
Editor-In-Chief, 4%

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Associate Editor
Associate Editor vs Managing Editor

Updated January 8, 2025

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