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The differences between production editors and production managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a production editor, becoming a production manager takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a production manager has an average salary of $78,064, which is higher than the $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.
The top three skills for a production editor include proofreading, editorial production and production process. The most important skills for a production manager are continuous improvement, customer service, and quality standards.
| Production Editor | Production Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $53,275 | $78,064 |
| Hourly rate | $25.61 | $37.53 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 62,877 | 95,561 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 44 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Production managers work in show business, whether in film, television shows, or theatre productions. They oversee the whole production and ensure that all agreements are met. They manage finances and budget allocation. They oversee the design of costumes and sets. They also manage the timeline of filming and ensure that the production or filming will finish within the agreed timeline. Production managers also ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied. They build meaningful working relationships with everyone involved, from directors to actors to crew members. They try to mitigate any potential challenges in the production budget and schedule.
Production editors and production managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Production Editor | Production Manager | |
| Average salary | $53,275 | $78,064 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $68,000 | Between $50,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Robert A.M. Stern Architects | Cheniere Energy |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a production editor and a production manager in terms of educational background:
| Production Editor | Production Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | English | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between production editors' and production managers' demographics:
| Production Editor | Production Manager | |
| Average age | 44 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 6% |