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The differences between production editors and writers 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 writer. Additionally, a writer has an average salary of $66,143, 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 writer are work ethic, customer service, and web content.
| Production Editor | Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $53,275 | $66,143 |
| Hourly rate | $25.61 | $31.80 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 62,877 | 13,931 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| 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 writer can have different responsibilities depending on which industry or line of work they are involved. There are writers assigned in a corporate setting, some in journalism, while there are also writers in the entertainment Industry. Although they focus on varying types of writing, they all function to inform. Among the typical duties of writers involve producing content within allotted time or deadline, gather information and verify to ensure accuracy, proofread, and undergo review and revisions.
Production editors and writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Production Editor | Writer | |
| Average salary | $53,275 | $66,143 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $68,000 | Between $40,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Robert A.M. Stern Architects | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Media | - |
There are a few differences between a production editor and a writer in terms of educational background:
| Production Editor | Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between production editors' and writers' demographics:
| Production Editor | Writer | |
| Average age | 44 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% |
| 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, 6.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 16% |