Managing editor vs content writer

The differences between managing editors and content writers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a managing editor, becoming a content writer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $58,918 average annual salary of a content writer.

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

Managing editor vs content writer overview

	Managing Editor	Content Writer
Yearly salary	$89,060	$58,918
Hourly rate	$42.82	$28.33
Growth rate	-5%	4%
Number of jobs	16,781	19,621
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age	44	42
Years of experience	4	2

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 writer do?

The job of content writers is to create the best possible written or visual content ranging from blog posts to press releases. They produce the content for various types of websites, including social networks, news aggregators, and e-commerce sites. The job of content writers is not limited to writing, but also ensuring that the content connects or is relevant to the website pages. They are expected to set the tone of the website and revise the content upon customers' or clients' requests. They are also responsible for assisting in the creation of style guides.

Managing editor vs content writer salary

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

	Managing Editor	Content Writer
Average salary	$89,060	$58,918
Salary range	Between $59,000 And $132,000	Between $40,000 And $84,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Connecticut	California
Best paying company	Federal Reserve Bank	Cisco
Best paying industry	Media	Finance

Differences between managing editor and content writer education

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

	Managing Editor	Content Writer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 81%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common major	Journalism	English
Most common college	Northwestern University	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Managing editor vs content writer demographics

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

	Managing Editor	Content Writer
Average age	44	42
Gender ratio	Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%	Male, 39.8% Female, 60.2%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 6.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	12%	16%

Differences between managing editor and content writer 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.

Content writer example responsibilities.

Implement and manage Salesforce and Marketo for client to establish lead nurturing campaigns.
Maintain guest blogging strategy and policies to achieve a consistently diverse authorship and to grow readership.
Manage the editorial production of the pamphlets, brochures and graphic material to target worldwide audiences including china.
Manage proposal process from RFP (request for proposal) receipt to writing and editing various contributions to final RFP submission.
Collaborate with overseas team and manage documents using SharePoint to conceptualize and generate new marketing content.
Produce a wide array of literature ranging from poetry to short stories.

Managing editor vs content writer 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 writer skills

Digital Marketing, 10%
WordPress, 9%
Web Content, 6%
Blog Posts, 6%
Digital Content, 3%
Content Marketing, 3%

Managing Editor vs. similar jobs

Managing Editor related careers

Managing Editor related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
Managing Editor
Managing Editor vs Content Writer

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs