Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between creative writers and managing editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a creative writer, becoming a managing editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $73,095 average annual salary of a creative writer.
The top three skills for a creative writer include digital marketing, proofreading and email campaigns. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.
| Creative Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $73,095 | $89,060 |
| Hourly rate | $35.14 | $42.82 |
| Growth rate | 4% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 19,129 | 16,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Creative writers are professionals who employ their imagination and discipline to convey new and interesting ideas to an audience in an engaging way, such as books, screenplays, and promotional marketing material. These writers must select a subject or theme for their writing projects while conducting research to obtain factual information and authentic detail for their content. They must review and submit their work for approval to meet the needs of their clients, publishers, or directors. Creative writers can also work for magazines, websites, and advertising or become a freelancer.
Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.
Creative writers and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Creative Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Average salary | $73,095 | $89,060 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $114,000 | Between $59,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redwood City, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Apple | Federal Reserve Bank |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Media |
There are a few differences between a creative writer and a managing editor in terms of educational background:
| Creative Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | English | Journalism |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between creative writers' and managing editors' demographics:
| Creative Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.8% Female, 54.2% | Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 12% |