Post job

Editor/director vs managing editor

The differences between editor/directors and managing editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an editor/director and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $53,599 average annual salary of an editor/director.

The top three skills for an editor/director include music videos, video production and adobe premiere pro. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

Editor/director vs managing editor overview

Editor/DirectorManaging Editor
Yearly salary$53,599$89,060
Hourly rate$25.77$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs9,10716,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does an editor/director do?

An editor/director is someone whose work involves video production, assessment of content that a company creates before publishing, and editing of digital media, such as music videos. The essential skills that an editor/director should possess to accomplish his/her or her responsibilities include possessing good judgment and writing skills and having a keen eye for details. The job's education requirements include possessing a college degree in communication, digital media, photography, or a related field.

What does a managing editor do?

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.

Editor/director vs managing editor salary

Editor/directors and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Editor/DirectorManaging Editor
Average salary$53,599$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $90,000Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Federal Reserve Bank
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between editor/director and managing editor education

There are a few differences between an editor/director and a managing editor in terms of educational background:

Editor/DirectorManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorPhotographyJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Editor/director vs managing editor demographics

Here are the differences between editor/directors' and managing editors' demographics:

Editor/DirectorManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 75.4% Female, 24.6%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage12%12%

Differences between editor/director and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Editor/director example responsibilities.

  • Communicate with transportation managers, administrators, equipment operators and others for fulfillment of copy to achieve editorial goals.
  • Maintain and update social media including Youtube and Facebook accounts.
  • Perform principle of photography for interview, commercials, and TV shows.
  • Conceive, authore and edit retirement DVD and web content for the center's long time director.
  • Prepare small sample clips to be shown to producers and directors; implement editing notes per their feedback.
  • Produce, direct and operate camera for event coverage to deliver broadcast programs, DVD's and website segments.
  • Show more

Managing editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage programs such as schedule overhaul, YouTube channel creation, and new blog site.
  • Manage editorial process: assigning stories to line-editing to HTML publishing/page placement.
  • Manage editorial departments: ensure timely receipt of copy and photos, including coordinating and overseeing all freelance and in-house submissions.
  • Edit and proofread submissions for weekly publication.
  • Proofread and edit articles for several UN publications.
  • Launch and create the first digital edition online and via iPad.
  • Show more

Editor/director vs managing editor skills

Common editor/director skills
  • Music Videos, 28%
  • Video Production, 8%
  • Adobe Premiere Pro, 5%
  • Web Series, 4%
  • Photography, 4%
  • Video Content, 4%
Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs