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The differences between media production specialists 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 media production specialist and a production editor. Additionally, a production editor has an average salary of $53,275, which is higher than the $53,243 average annual salary of a media production specialist.
The top three skills for a media production specialist include training videos, video production and graphic design. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| Media Production Specialist | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $53,243 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $25.60 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | 8% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 87,800 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A media production specialist produces media such as films, documentaries, audio messages, or videos. The qualifications for this position are knowledge of computer software editing programs and familiarity with media production devices such as cameras, microphones, and lighting. They are expected to produce media in a variety of formats, conduct quality control, and make recommendations of equipment to be purchased to perform given tasks.
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.
Media production specialists and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Media Production Specialist | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $53,243 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $73,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Keysight Technologies | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a media production specialist and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| Media Production Specialist | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | Communication | English |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between media production specialists' and production editors' demographics:
| Media Production Specialist | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.1% Female, 29.9% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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% |