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Associate editor vs technical editor

The differences between associate editors and technical 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 technical editor. Additionally, a technical editor has an average salary of $61,717, 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 technical editor are powerpoint, english language, and proofreading.

Associate editor vs technical editor overview

Associate EditorTechnical Editor
Yearly salary$55,999$61,717
Hourly rate$26.92$29.67
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs4,66478,423
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

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 technical editor do?

A technical editor is someone who proofreads, revises, and edits technical documents. He/She or she checks for grammar, punctuation, and style to ensure that the technical content meets company standards. Some of the qualifications to become a technical editor include knowledge of technical concepts, prior experience in print or online publishing, a keen eye for details, and strong verbal and written communication skills. Someone having a bachelor's degree in English or journalism could qualify for the position.

Associate editor vs technical editor salary

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

Associate EditorTechnical Editor
Average salary$55,999$61,717
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $79,000Between $47,000 And $80,000
Highest paying CityStoughton, MAOakland, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyEli Lilly and CompanyApple
Best paying industryMediaTechnology

Differences between associate editor and technical editor education

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

Associate EditorTechnical Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Associate editor vs technical editor demographics

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

Associate EditorTechnical Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 43.2% Female, 56.8%Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between associate editor and technical 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.
  • Show more

Technical editor example responsibilities.

  • Identify and initiate wholesale computer upgrade to accommodate new CMS while allocating and managing staff resources devote to developing the software.
  • Train course developers in advance features of FrameMaker and PowerPoint.
  • Remove PDF security from each document.
  • Update PDF variables for online help.
  • Research science, military, and historical-relate topics for DOD.
  • Create or obtain all necessary screen shots using SnagIt and Photoshop.
  • Show more

Associate editor vs technical editor skills

Common associate editor skills
  • WordPress, 9%
  • Web Content, 8%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Edit Content, 6%
  • Proofreading, 6%
  • Twitter, 3%
Common technical editor skills
  • PowerPoint, 16%
  • English Language, 11%
  • Proofreading, 6%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 5%
  • Training Materials, 5%
  • XML, 4%

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