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Features editor vs managing editor

The differences between features 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 a features editor and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $59,420 average annual salary of a features editor.

The top three skills for a features editor include editorial content, layout design and SEO. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

Features editor vs managing editor overview

Features EditorManaging Editor
Yearly salary$59,420$89,060
Hourly rate$28.57$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs11,74816,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a features editor do?

A features editor's duty is to oversee and delegate the articles in the feature section of newspapers, magazines, and other digital publications to writers. Their job also includes pitching suitable articles from freelancers and making sure that the articles made for their publication are informative, on topic, and well-written. Also, the features editor must be detail-oriented and meticulous to ensure that every article is error-free and creative since they are the ones who supervise and decide whether the stories are ethical and factual enough before publishing.

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.

Features editor vs managing editor salary

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

Features EditorManaging Editor
Average salary$59,420$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $96,000Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew YorkConnecticut
Best paying companyRokuFederal Reserve Bank
Best paying industryNon ProfitsMedia

Differences between features editor and managing editor education

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

Features EditorManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 83%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorJournalismJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Features editor vs managing editor demographics

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

Features EditorManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 37.1% Female, 62.9%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% 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 features editor and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Features editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage SEO and Adwords, and social media content.
  • Film and edit all video content as well as managing the YouTube channel and social media feeds.
  • Manage weekly flash fiction competition.
  • Manage communication between editorial, photo, video and production departments.
  • Market via facebook, twitter and blog.
  • Report to editor-in-chief and oversee feature reporting staff.
  • 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

Features editor vs managing editor skills

Common features editor skills
  • Editorial Content, 12%
  • Layout Design, 9%
  • SEO, 8%
  • Adobe Indesign, 7%
  • Lifestyle, 7%
  • Feature Stories, 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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