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The differences between editors and technical 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 technical editor. Additionally, a technical editor has an average salary of $61,717, 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 technical editor are powerpoint, english language, and proofreading.
| Editor | Technical Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $52,107 | $61,717 |
| Hourly rate | $25.05 | $29.67 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 15,115 | 78,423 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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 technical editor is someone who proofreads, revises, and edits technical documents. He/She or she checks for grammar, punctuation, and style to ensure that the technical content meets company standards. Some of the qualifications to become a technical editor include knowledge of technical concepts, prior experience in print or online publishing, a keen eye for details, and strong verbal and written communication skills. Someone having a bachelor's degree in English or journalism could qualify for the position.
Editors and technical editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Editor | Technical Editor | |
| Average salary | $52,107 | $61,717 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $78,000 | Between $47,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between an editor and a technical editor in terms of educational background:
| Editor | Technical Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between editors' and technical editors' demographics:
| Editor | Technical Editor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% | Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4% |
| 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, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |