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Business editor vs technical editor

The differences between business 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 a business editor and a technical editor. Additionally, a technical editor has an average salary of $61,717, which is higher than the $57,160 average annual salary of a business editor.

The top three skills for a business editor include SEO, editorial content and real estate. The most important skills for a technical editor are powerpoint, english language, and proofreading.

Business editor vs technical editor overview

Business EditorTechnical Editor
Yearly salary$57,160$61,717
Hourly rate$27.48$29.67
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs48,49178,423
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a business editor do?

A business editor oversees the operations of the business news department of publication companies or similar establishments. Although their duties vary upon their place or company of employment, it usually includes taking on a managerial role wherein they must manage a group of business writers, delegate responsibilities, assign business events to reporters, set deadlines, and develop strategies to gain the public's interest. They also participate in writing news materials, proofreading articles, conducting interviews, and establishing guidelines. Moreover, a business editor maintains an open and transparent communication line with fellow editors for an efficient workflow.

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.

Business editor vs technical editor salary

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

Business EditorTechnical Editor
Average salary$57,160$61,717
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $79,000Between $47,000 And $80,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYOakland, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyIBMApple
Best paying industryPharmaceuticalTechnology

Differences between business editor and technical editor education

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

Business EditorTechnical Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorJournalismEnglish
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Business editor vs technical editor demographics

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

Business EditorTechnical Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 60.3% Female, 39.7%Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.2% 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 business editor and technical editor duties and responsibilities

Business editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage and create newsletter archives for NASA: http: //www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/home/index.html
  • Cover international trade, foreign debt, decentralization and other business and economic issues for English edition of Brazilian business daily.
  • Put together community orient newspaper with provide clips and write feature and cover stories.
  • Copy editor, assistant editor, daily news reporter for top English-language daily in Mexico

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

Business editor vs technical editor skills

Common business editor skills
  • SEO, 18%
  • Editorial Content, 13%
  • Real Estate, 8%
  • Business Topics, 8%
  • Press Releases, 7%
  • Edition, 6%
Common technical editor skills
  • PowerPoint, 16%
  • English Language, 11%
  • Proofreading, 6%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 5%
  • Training Materials, 5%
  • XML, 4%

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