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Editor vs managing editor

The differences between editors 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 and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $52,107 average annual salary of an editor.

The top three skills for an editor include web content, video content and SEO. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

Editor vs managing editor overview

EditorManaging Editor
Yearly salary$52,107$89,060
Hourly rate$25.05$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs15,11516,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does an editor do?

An editor is the one responsible for polishing and refining a story, article, and any material for publication in newspapers, magazines, books, or websites. Editors have the power to either accept or reject a material as they need to ensure that every manuscript which will be offered for publishing is at the best version as it can be. There are several types of editors, from copy editors, books to managing editors, but they have few skills in common, like strong writing skills, good judgment, and leadership abilities to help guide the whole editorial team. Most of them work in the office, but it is quite becoming more regular for them to work remotely.

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 vs managing editor salary

Editors and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

EditorManaging Editor
Average salary$52,107$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $78,000Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkConnecticut
Best paying companyMicrosoftFederal Reserve Bank
Best paying industryTechnologyMedia

Differences between editor and managing editor education

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

EditorManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorEnglishJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Editor vs managing editor demographics

Here are the differences between editors' and managing editors' demographics:

EditorManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 46.4% Female, 53.6%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
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, 3.5% 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 and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage content QC and Disney client QC of create content.
  • Manage campaign performance through data analysis and reporting, with actionable takeaways per designate KPI.
  • Manage and create newsletter archives for NASA: http: //www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/home/index.html
  • Manage business documentation for the department's strategic alignment SharePoint database.
  • Develop SEO strategies to increase profitability and manage social media to spread brand awareness and bolster readership.
  • Manage international man-made fiber market research/publishing company and supervise editorial content and sales of industry statistical journal.
  • 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 vs managing editor skills

Common editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Video Content, 9%
  • SEO, 6%
  • Facebook, 4%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%
  • Twitter, 3%
Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%

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