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The differences between 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 photographer, becoming a photo editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a photo editor has an average salary of $63,168, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.
The top three skills for a photographer include adobe photoshop, customer service and excellent time management. The most important skills for a photo editor are adobe photoshop, stock photography, and photo shoots.
| Photographer | Photo Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $33,968 | $63,168 |
| Hourly rate | $16.33 | $30.37 |
| Growth rate | 9% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 1,772 | 10,068 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.67 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A photographer is an individual who focuses on the art of taking images with the use of a digital or traditional film camera. They are knowledgeable in the proper utilization and care of high-end cameras. They generally work as a freelancer and often hired to capture memories of unique clients. Some are also in exclusive partnerships with event-related industries in such settings as weddings, graduation, corporate events, and even commercial shoots. Apart from taking pictures, they also may be required to edit and prepare photographs to submit to clients or for publication.
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.
Photographers and photo editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Photographer | Photo Editor | |
| Average salary | $33,968 | $63,168 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $52,000 | Between $38,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | Jacobs Engineering Group | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Professional |
There are a few differences between a photographer and a photo editor in terms of educational background:
| Photographer | Photo Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between photographers' and photo editors' demographics:
| Photographer | Photo Editor | |
| Average age | 39 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7% | Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% 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% |