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Executive editor vs managing editor

The differences between executive 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 executive editor and a managing editor. Additionally, an executive editor has an average salary of $110,541, which is higher than the $89,060 average annual salary of a managing editor.

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

Executive editor vs managing editor overview

Executive EditorManaging Editor
Yearly salary$110,541$89,060
Hourly rate$53.14$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs75,81016,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does an executive editor do?

An executive editor supervises the editorial content of magazines, newspapers, or other publications. In the corporate setting, an executive editor often arranges a book's publishing. In a newspaper setting, an executive editor is the newsroom leader, and in larger newspapers, they coordinate all aspects of the publication's production. They must have the ability to manage subordinates and assistant editors and be experienced with Associated Press style.

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.

Executive editor vs managing editor salary

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

Executive EditorManaging Editor
Average salary$110,541$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $278,000Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkConnecticut
Best paying companyAmerican MediaFederal Reserve Bank
Best paying industryMediaMedia

Differences between executive editor and managing editor education

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

Executive EditorManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorJournalismJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Executive editor vs managing editor demographics

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

Executive EditorManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 50.1% Female, 49.9%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.3% 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 executive editor and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Executive editor example responsibilities.

  • Lead effort to publish works of fiction (Alfaguara imprint).
  • Manage content using CMS tools and ongoing social media campaign and reader engagement via social media networks and blog.
  • Acquire established writers and introduce new voices in genre fiction.
  • Leverage meticulous attention to detail in technical editing and proofreading all content from project inception to completion.
  • Analyze FrameMaker source document and provide feedback to XML architects to improve accuracy of conversion.

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

Executive editor vs managing editor skills

Common executive editor skills
  • Editorial Content, 12%
  • Editorial Calendar, 8%
  • Digital Content, 6%
  • SEO, 6%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 6%
  • Content Strategy, 6%
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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