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The differences between news photographers and photo editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a news photographer, becoming a photo editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a news photographer has an average salary of $76,014, which is higher than the $63,168 average annual salary of a photo editor.
The top three skills for a news photographer include HD, video cameras and general assignment. The most important skills for a photo editor are adobe photoshop, stock photography, and photo shoots.
| News Photographer | Photo Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $76,014 | $63,168 |
| Hourly rate | $36.55 | $30.37 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 7,850 | 10,068 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A news photographer is responsible for capturing images and videos ranging from small occasions and conferences to critical society events, ensuring the accurate snapshots of all details for reports and publishing purposes. Aside from having excellent photography skills, a news photographer should also have outstanding communication and technical skills, especially in editing photos through software programs and applications. A news photographer usually works out in the field, depending on the assigned area by the management or as the business requires.
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.
News photographers and photo editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| News Photographer | Photo Editor | |
| Average salary | $76,014 | $63,168 |
| Salary range | Between $17,000 And $329,000 | Between $38,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Professional |
There are a few differences between a news photographer and a photo editor in terms of educational background:
| News Photographer | Photo Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Communication | Photography |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between news photographers' and photo editors' demographics:
| News Photographer | Photo Editor | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 82.4% Female, 17.6% | Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 Percentage | 11% | 12% |