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Digital editor vs production editor

The differences between digital 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 digital editor and a production editor. Additionally, a digital editor has an average salary of $60,710, which is higher than the $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.

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

Digital editor vs production editor overview

Digital EditorProduction Editor
Yearly salary$60,710$53,275
Hourly rate$29.19$25.61
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs22,50062,877
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a digital editor do?

Digital Editors research, create and produce images and content used on a website. They are involved in copywriting, editing, proofreading, and supervising artwork, graphics, and video. They use knowledge in SEO and social media marketing to optimize traffic. They determine KPI, track website traffic, and produce a report for presentation. They also work with cross-functional teams such as marketing and web design to improve overall content strategy. A Digital Editor must have in-depth knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites to render attractive web designs.

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.

Digital editor vs production editor salary

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

Digital EditorProduction Editor
Average salary$60,710$53,275
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $84,000Between $41,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYHartford, CT
Highest paying stateNew YorkConnecticut
Best paying companyServiceNowRobert A.M. Stern Architects
Best paying industryProfessionalMedia

Differences between digital editor and production editor education

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

Digital EditorProduction Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorJournalismEnglish
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Digital editor vs production editor demographics

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

Digital EditorProduction Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 54.5% Female, 45.5%Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.3% 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 digital editor and production editor duties and responsibilities

Digital editor example responsibilities.

  • Develop SEO strategies to increase profitability and manage social media to spread brand awareness and bolster readership.
  • Create Facebook posts to alert readers to upcoming breaking news stories.
  • Use front-end web development technologies such as HTML, CSS and Javascript to develop special pages.
  • Coordinate, schedule and curate Facebook ads.
  • Apply knowledge of SEO techniques and upload blog content using WordPress platform.
  • Design and develop a modern, responsive WordPress website to fit the content management requirements.
  • 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

Digital editor vs production editor skills

Common digital editor skills
  • Digital Content, 8%
  • Instagram, 5%
  • Facebook, 5%
  • Digital Platforms, 5%
  • Twitter, 4%
  • Video Content, 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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