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Communications editor vs assistant editor

The differences between communications editors and assistant 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 communications editor and an assistant editor. Additionally, an assistant editor has an average salary of $52,284, which is higher than the $41,611 average annual salary of a communications editor.

The top three skills for a communications editor include web content, phone calls and facebook. The most important skills for an assistant editor are editorial content, video footage, and web content.

Communications editor vs assistant editor overview

Communications EditorAssistant Editor
Yearly salary$41,611$52,284
Hourly rate$20.01$25.14
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs26,2678,716
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a communications editor do?

Communication editors write and review documents, statements, and articles used in the press releases, publications, and other informational materials in an organization. The editors plan and coordinate the content of materials. They collaborate with management and any other staff in identifying the information to research topics, write and edit documentation, and release. Typically, they are working for a media company, government agency, or corporation. They may also arrange page layouts of photographs, advertising, and articles.

What does an assistant editor do?

An assistant editor is an individual responsible for assisting an editor-in-chief or editor-at-large of a newspaper, magazine, radio program, or website. Assistant editors hold meetings with staff and freelance writers to discuss new, fresh and original content for projects on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They review assignments handed in by writers or reporters for sense, accuracy, readability, and content. Assistant editors must also utilize new media applications such as Twitter and Facebook to draw attention to an article or cause.

Communications editor vs assistant editor salary

Communications editors and assistant editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Communications EditorAssistant Editor
Average salary$41,611$52,284
Salary rangeBetween $15,000 And $112,000Between $34,000 And $78,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYHuntington, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew York
Best paying companyMoody'sApple
Best paying industryAutomotiveMedia

Differences between communications editor and assistant editor education

There are a few differences between a communications editor and an assistant editor in terms of educational background:

Communications EditorAssistant Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorJournalismEnglish
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Communications editor vs assistant editor demographics

Here are the differences between communications editors' and assistant editors' demographics:

Communications EditorAssistant Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 34.9% Female, 65.1%Male, 45.9% Female, 54.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.0% 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 Percentage12%12%

Differences between communications editor and assistant editor duties and responsibilities

Communications editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage editorial and content for Siemens quarterly executive level do magazine with worldwide distribution.
  • Publish content in Facebook & LinkedIn.
  • Post on web using WordPress and Facebook.
  • Develop relevant content topic for company blog to grow company's SEO standing.
  • Utilize SEO tactics effectively to drive relevant web traffic to multiple online properties.
  • Help with the hands-on page design and graphics development for intranet news site including daily visual to accompany stories.
  • Show more

Assistant editor example responsibilities.

  • Lead bureau newsgathering in high-pressure, breaking news situations.
  • Manage the budget for all of VOA s primary newsgathering.
  • Produce e-newsletters, manage website content, write headlines and captions, utilize SEO and analyze digital traffic.
  • Communicate with transportation managers, administrators, equipment operators and others for fulfillment of copy to achieve editorial goals.
  • Ensure compliance with PRC and FDA guidelines.
  • Increase social media presence and traffic through Facebook and Instagram.
  • Show more

Communications editor vs assistant editor skills

Common communications editor skills
  • Web Content, 12%
  • Phone Calls, 9%
  • Facebook, 9%
  • Press Releases, 8%
  • Twitter, 7%
  • Linkedin, 6%
Common assistant editor skills
  • Editorial Content, 9%
  • Video Footage, 8%
  • Web Content, 5%
  • Media Management, 4%
  • Production Process, 4%
  • Twitter, 3%

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