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The differences between communications editors and communications specialists 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 a communications specialist. Additionally, a communications specialist has an average salary of $51,023, 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 a communications specialist are customer service, powerpoint, and patients.
| Communications Editor | Communications Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $41,611 | $51,023 |
| Hourly rate | $20.01 | $24.53 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 26,267 | 42,819 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A communications specialist takes charge of addressing the public by coming up with various strategic campaigns, newsletters, public correspondence, press releases, and advertisements. Their primary role focuses on promoting, shaping, and enhancing a brand's image through public relations. Furthermore, a communications specialist is responsible for handling any complaints or issues, devising and conducting damage control to resolve bad publicity should there be any. It is also essential for a communications specialist to adhere to the company's policies and regulations at all times.
Communications editors and communications specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Communications Editor | Communications Specialist | |
| Average salary | $41,611 | $51,023 |
| Salary range | Between $15,000 And $112,000 | Between $36,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Moody's | |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a communications editor and a communications specialist in terms of educational background:
| Communications Editor | Communications Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Journalism | Communication |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between communications editors' and communications specialists' demographics:
| Communications Editor | Communications Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.9% Female, 65.1% | Male, 42.9% Female, 57.1% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |