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The differences between managing editors and production 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 production editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.
The top three skills for a managing editor include web content, editorial content and SEO. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| Managing Editor | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $89,060 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $42.82 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 16,781 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A production editor is responsible for checking publication materials before printing and distribution to ensure error-free and accurate content. Production editors must have excellent writing communication skills to perform editing and proofreading of materials efficiently, following strict requirements of publication deadlines. They also verify the resources of content, as well as identifying highly requested feature opportunities by coordinating with writers and other industry personalities. A production editor negotiates contract offers for writers, provides feedback reviews, and facilitates brainstorming sessions.
Managing editors and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Managing Editor | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $89,060 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $132,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Federal Reserve Bank | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Media | Media |
There are a few differences between a managing editor and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| Managing Editor | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | Journalism | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between managing editors' and production editors' demographics:
| Managing Editor | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |