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Managing editor vs photo editor

The differences between managing editors and photo 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 photo editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $63,168 average annual salary of a photo editor.

The top three skills for a managing editor include web content, editorial content and SEO. The most important skills for a photo editor are adobe photoshop, stock photography, and photo shoots.

Managing editor vs photo editor overview

Managing EditorPhoto Editor
Yearly salary$89,060$63,168
Hourly rate$42.82$30.37
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs16,78110,068
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
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 photo editor do?

Photo Editors are employees in the creatives or marketing department of the company. They handle photos used by the company for its marketing collaterals, social media posts, or publishing. They also ensure that the photos are in line with the company's brand and image. Photo Editors may add items or elements to make the photo more eye-catching.

Managing editor vs photo editor salary

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

Managing EditorPhoto Editor
Average salary$89,060$63,168
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $132,000Between $38,000 And $104,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCNew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew York
Best paying companyFederal Reserve BankApple
Best paying industryMediaProfessional

Differences between managing editor and photo editor education

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

Managing EditorPhoto Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorJournalismPhotography
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Managing editor vs photo editor demographics

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

Managing EditorPhoto Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 46.6% Female, 53.4%Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4%
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, 7.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between managing editor and photo 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

Photo editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage SEO tags for photo base articles.
  • Lead teams of multimedia writers to creating short documentaries.
  • Manage metadata and implement SEO practices that increase page views!
  • Manage international man-made fiber market research/publishing company and supervise editorial content and sales of industry statistical journal.
  • Experience with HTML and CSS coding to build a web-base interface to display training modules.
  • Maintain the image database, caption placements, color correction, image archive and ftp images to clients and agencies.
  • Show more

Managing editor vs photo 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 photo editor skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 23%
  • Stock Photography, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 6%
  • Instagram, 6%
  • FTP, 5%
  • Facebook, 4%

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