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The differences between news writers and production 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 writer, becoming a production editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a production editor has an average salary of $53,275, which is higher than the $45,129 average annual salary of a news writer.
The top three skills for a news writer include news articles, ABC and SEO. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| News Writer | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $45,129 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $21.70 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | -10% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 17,010 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A news writer is primarily responsible for producing informative written materials about current events, ensuring quality and accuracy. Their responsibilities typically revolve around conducting interviews, traveling to different locations, pursuing leads, researching public records, and submitting stories within the expected deadline and set format. Typically working for newspapers or web news platforms, a news writer must also review materials to fact-check and correct any errors, monitor the progress of events or cases, and coordinate with other staff.
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.
News writers and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| News Writer | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $45,129 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $64,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | PitchBook Data | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a news writer and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| News Writer | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | Journalism | English |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between news writers' and production editors' demographics:
| News Writer | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 45.1% Female, 54.9% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 9.5% White, 67.3% 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 | 10% | 12% |