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Publishing editor vs managing editor

The differences between publishing editors and managing 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 publishing editor and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $61,550 average annual salary of a publishing editor.

The top three skills for a publishing editor include web site, feature stories and edit content. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

Publishing editor vs managing editor overview

Publishing EditorManaging Editor
Yearly salary$61,550$89,060
Hourly rate$29.59$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs4,56216,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a publishing editor do?

Publishing Editors tend to earn around $56K per year in a career that demands creativity, language, and writing skills, as well as being detail-oriented and possessing good judgment and interpersonal skills. Though not required, most will have at least a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or journalism for this career, which calls for deciding the style and content of various publications or even the entire publication content in managerial roles.

What does a managing editor do?

Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.

Publishing editor vs managing editor salary

Publishing editors and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Publishing EditorManaging Editor
Average salary$61,550$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $85,000Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Federal Reserve Bank
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between publishing editor and managing editor education

There are a few differences between a publishing editor and a managing editor in terms of educational background:

Publishing EditorManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorJournalismJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Publishing editor vs managing editor demographics

Here are the differences between publishing editors' and managing editors' demographics:

Publishing EditorManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 52.6% Female, 47.4%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 6.9% White, 77.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between publishing editor and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Publishing editor example responsibilities.

  • Supervise all editorial activities, including developing editorial story boards, managing freelance copywriters and directing contract photo assignments.
  • Use HTML encoding when formatting content.
  • Drive readership through the use of professional and social media and SEO.
  • Oversee corporation s digital marketing strategy: SEM, SEO, PPC.
  • Implement emerging social media platforms (Facebook, MySpace) as a marketing tool.
  • Hire and direct staff of Facebook, Pinterest, writers, account executives, photographers.
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Managing editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage programs such as schedule overhaul, YouTube channel creation, and new blog site.
  • Manage editorial process: assigning stories to line-editing to HTML publishing/page placement.
  • Manage editorial departments: ensure timely receipt of copy and photos, including coordinating and overseeing all freelance and in-house submissions.
  • Edit and proofread submissions for weekly publication.
  • Proofread and edit articles for several UN publications.
  • Launch and create the first digital edition online and via iPad.
  • Show more

Publishing editor vs managing editor skills

Common publishing editor skills
  • Web Site, 11%
  • Feature Stories, 10%
  • Edit Content, 7%
  • Graphic Design, 5%
  • Content Development, 5%
  • Digital Photography, 4%
Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%

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