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The differences between 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 an editor and a production editor. Additionally, a production editor has an average salary of $53,275, 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 production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| Editor | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $52,107 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $25.05 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 15,115 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Editors and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Editor | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $52,107 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $78,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between an editor and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| Editor | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between editors' and production editors' demographics:
| Editor | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |