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The differences between reporters and production 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 a production editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a production editor has an average salary of $53,275, 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 a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| Reporter | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $46,667 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $22.44 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | -10% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 11,179 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| 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.
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.
Reporters and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Reporter | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $46,667 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $73,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Citi | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Media | Media |
There are a few differences between a reporter and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| Reporter | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 81% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | Journalism | English |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between reporters' and production editors' demographics:
| Reporter | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| 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, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 12% |