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Content editor vs production editor

The differences between content editors and production 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 content editor and a production editor. Additionally, a content editor has an average salary of $61,694, which is higher than the $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.

The top three skills for a content editor include digital content, web content and digital marketing. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.

Content editor vs production editor overview

Content EditorProduction Editor
Yearly salary$61,694$53,275
Hourly rate$29.66$25.61
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs18,58662,877
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a content editor do?

A content editor is an individual who is responsible for proof-reading articles written by content writers and write blog posts to promote the products and services of an organization. Content editors are responsible for producing monthly newsletters and optimize written pieces to increase user engagement. They need to interact with the consumers with the purpose of sourcing feedback on the content's impact actively. Content editors must also conduct business research on current trends to give the company an edge over the competition.

What does a production editor do?

A production editor is responsible for checking publication materials before printing and distribution to ensure error-free and accurate content. Production editors must have excellent writing communication skills to perform editing and proofreading of materials efficiently, following strict requirements of publication deadlines. They also verify the resources of content, as well as identifying highly requested feature opportunities by coordinating with writers and other industry personalities. A production editor negotiates contract offers for writers, provides feedback reviews, and facilitates brainstorming sessions.

Content editor vs production editor salary

Content editors and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Content EditorProduction Editor
Average salary$61,694$53,275
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $91,000Between $41,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYHartford, CT
Highest paying stateNew YorkConnecticut
Best paying companyAppleRobert A.M. Stern Architects
Best paying industryTechnologyMedia

Differences between content editor and production editor education

There are a few differences between a content editor and a production editor in terms of educational background:

Content EditorProduction Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Content editor vs production editor demographics

Here are the differences between content editors' and production editors' demographics:

Content EditorProduction Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 43.5% Female, 56.5%Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between content editor and production editor duties and responsibilities

Content editor example responsibilities.

  • Work with W3C standardize CSS to achieve design goals.
  • Coordinate and manage a team of photographers who work on NBA games throughout the league.
  • Identify, create and manage QA projects to improve data consistency and accuracy using SQL to extract data.
  • Manage editorial department by editing and publishing daily content for website and daily e-newsletter.
  • Develop SEO strategies to increase profitability and manage social media to spread brand awareness and bolster readership.
  • Develop social media content for different outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube channel and the blog's webpage.
  • Show more

Production editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage integration and implementation of site search and train staff on strategic SEO and web best practices.
  • Manage research and identification of all clips and pictures used in the documentary for the purpose of credit and compensation.
  • Typeset editorial content and manage paste-up board production.
  • Boost usability by managing content migration to iApps, leading maintenance & data/functionality QA.
  • Assume full editorial responsibility when editor are unavailable, including managing social media accounts and assigning content to freelancers and photographers.
  • Update online versions of books using UNIX, HTML, and XML technologies.
  • Show more

Content editor vs production editor skills

Common content editor skills
  • Digital Content, 8%
  • Web Content, 7%
  • Digital Marketing, 4%
  • WordPress, 4%
  • Video Content, 4%
  • Content Marketing, 4%
Common production editor skills
  • Proofreading, 15%
  • Editorial Production, 9%
  • Production Process, 9%
  • Production Schedules, 5%
  • Fiction, 4%
  • Adobe Indesign, 4%

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