Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between production editors and technical 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 production editor and a technical editor. Additionally, a technical editor has an average salary of $61,717, 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 technical editor are powerpoint, english language, and proofreading.
| Production Editor | Technical Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $53,275 | $61,717 |
| Hourly rate | $25.61 | $29.67 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 62,877 | 78,423 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A technical editor is someone who proofreads, revises, and edits technical documents. He/She or she checks for grammar, punctuation, and style to ensure that the technical content meets company standards. Some of the qualifications to become a technical editor include knowledge of technical concepts, prior experience in print or online publishing, a keen eye for details, and strong verbal and written communication skills. Someone having a bachelor's degree in English or journalism could qualify for the position.
Production editors and technical editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Production Editor | Technical Editor | |
| Average salary | $53,275 | $61,717 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $68,000 | Between $47,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Robert A.M. Stern Architects | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a production editor and a technical editor in terms of educational background:
| Production Editor | Technical Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between production editors' and technical editors' demographics:
| Production Editor | Technical Editor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% | Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4% |
| 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |