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The differences between photo 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 photo editor and a production editor. Additionally, a photo editor has an average salary of $63,168, which is higher than the $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.
The top three skills for a photo editor include adobe photoshop, stock photography and photo shoots. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| Photo Editor | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $63,168 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $30.37 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 10,068 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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.
Photo editors and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Photo Editor | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $63,168 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $104,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Apple | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Media |
There are a few differences between a photo editor and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| Photo Editor | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | Photography | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between photo editors' and production editors' demographics:
| Photo Editor | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% 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% |