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The differences between reporters and 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 reporter, becoming an editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an editor has an average salary of $52,107, which is higher than the $46,667 average annual salary of a reporter.
The top three skills for a reporter include news stories, digital marketing and facebook. The most important skills for an editor are web content, video content, and SEO.
| Reporter | Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $46,667 | $52,107 |
| Hourly rate | $22.44 | $25.05 |
| Growth rate | -10% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 11,179 | 15,115 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
In journalism, a reporter is responsible for relaying truthful and reliable information to the public audience through various mediums such as print and media. A reporter must ensure to gather necessary and factual data that are supported by interviews and comments of those involved, remain unbiased in all aspects, produce a concise and comprehensive informational material within an allotted time, and efficiently coordinate with every staff. Furthermore, a reporter must remain professional at all times and adhere to the policies and regulations set by the company or network.
An editor is the one responsible for polishing and refining a story, article, and any material for publication in newspapers, magazines, books, or websites. Editors have the power to either accept or reject a material as they need to ensure that every manuscript which will be offered for publishing is at the best version as it can be. There are several types of editors, from copy editors, books to managing editors, but they have few skills in common, like strong writing skills, good judgment, and leadership abilities to help guide the whole editorial team. Most of them work in the office, but it is quite becoming more regular for them to work remotely.
Reporters and editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Reporter | Editor | |
| Average salary | $46,667 | $52,107 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $73,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | New York |
| Best paying company | Citi | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a reporter and an editor in terms of educational background:
| Reporter | Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Journalism | English |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between reporters' and editors' demographics:
| Reporter | Editor | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2% | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 9.7% White, 66.5% 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, 76.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 12% |