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Communications editor vs technical editor

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

Communications editor vs technical editor overview

Communications EditorTechnical Editor
Yearly salary$41,611$61,717
Hourly rate$20.01$29.67
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs26,26778,423
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
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 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.

Communications editor vs technical editor salary

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

Communications EditorTechnical Editor
Average salary$41,611$61,717
Salary rangeBetween $15,000 And $112,000Between $47,000 And $80,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYOakland, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyMoody'sApple
Best paying industryAutomotiveTechnology

Differences between communications editor and technical editor education

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

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

Communications editor vs technical editor demographics

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

Communications EditorTechnical Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 34.9% Female, 65.1%Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4%
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, 3.6% 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 communications editor and technical 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

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

Communications editor vs technical editor skills

Common communications editor skills
  • Web Content, 12%
  • Phone Calls, 9%
  • Facebook, 9%
  • Press Releases, 8%
  • Twitter, 7%
  • Linkedin, 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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