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Managing editor vs content editor

The differences between managing editors and content 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 managing editor and a content editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $61,694 average annual salary of a content editor.

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

Managing editor vs content editor overview

Managing EditorContent Editor
Yearly salary$89,060$61,694
Hourly rate$42.82$29.66
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs16,78118,586
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

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.

What does a content editor do?

A content editor is an individual who is responsible for proof-reading articles written by content writers and write blog posts to promote the products and services of an organization. Content editors are responsible for producing monthly newsletters and optimize written pieces to increase user engagement. They need to interact with the consumers with the purpose of sourcing feedback on the content's impact actively. Content editors must also conduct business research on current trends to give the company an edge over the competition.

Managing editor vs content editor salary

Managing editors and content editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Managing EditorContent Editor
Average salary$89,060$61,694
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $132,000Between $41,000 And $91,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCNew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew York
Best paying companyFederal Reserve BankApple
Best paying industryMediaTechnology

Differences between managing editor and content editor education

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

Managing EditorContent Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorJournalismEnglish
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Managing editor vs content editor demographics

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

Managing EditorContent Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 46.6% Female, 53.4%Male, 43.5% Female, 56.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between managing editor and content editor duties and responsibilities

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

Content editor example responsibilities.

  • Work with W3C standardize CSS to achieve design goals.
  • Coordinate and manage a team of photographers who work on NBA games throughout the league.
  • Identify, create and manage QA projects to improve data consistency and accuracy using SQL to extract data.
  • Manage editorial department by editing and publishing daily content for website and daily e-newsletter.
  • Develop SEO strategies to increase profitability and manage social media to spread brand awareness and bolster readership.
  • Develop social media content for different outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube channel and the blog's webpage.
  • Show more

Managing editor vs content editor skills

Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%
Common content editor skills
  • Digital Content, 8%
  • Web Content, 7%
  • Digital Marketing, 4%
  • WordPress, 4%
  • Video Content, 4%
  • Content Marketing, 4%

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