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Managing editor vs senior editor

The differences between managing editors and senior 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 senior editor. Additionally, a senior editor has an average salary of $90,094, which is higher than the $89,060 average annual salary of a managing editor.

The top three skills for a managing editor include web content, editorial content and SEO. The most important skills for a senior editor are edit content, video content, and SEO.

Managing editor vs senior editor overview

Managing EditorSenior Editor
Yearly salary$89,060$90,094
Hourly rate$42.82$43.31
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs16,78112,150
Job satisfaction--
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 senior editor do?

A Senior Editor determines the editorial content for a publication. They supervise the content creation process and manage junior editors.

Managing editor vs senior editor salary

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

Managing EditorSenior Editor
Average salary$89,060$90,094
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $132,000Between $66,000 And $121,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyFederal Reserve BankApple
Best paying industryMediaFinance

Differences between managing editor and senior editor education

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

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

Managing editor vs senior editor demographics

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

Managing EditorSenior Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 46.6% Female, 53.4%Male, 51.7% Female, 48.3%
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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between managing editor and senior 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

Senior editor example responsibilities.

  • Contract and manage editorial freelancers and full-service vendors for successful high school Spanish and Latin textbook and ancillary programs.
  • Post video to the Fox17 website and youtube.
  • Complete several robust DVD authoring projects for clients.
  • Redesign the look and the style of lifestyle magazine.
  • Double traffic on the Instagram page with newly implement marketing plan.
  • Content editing for automobile DVD user manuals (English, French and Spanish).
  • Show more

Managing editor vs senior 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 senior editor skills
  • Edit Content, 11%
  • Video Content, 7%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Digital Content, 6%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Facebook, 3%

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