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The differences between retouchers and photo editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a photo editor has an average salary of $63,168, which is higher than the $51,538 average annual salary of a retoucher.
The top three skills for a retoucher include color correction, adobe photoshop and product photography. The most important skills for a photo editor are adobe photoshop, stock photography, and photo shoots.
Retouchers are skilled professionals who use advanced computer imaging software to change or modify the appearance of a photo or other digital image. These professionals must interface directly with clients to perform multiple image composition, color correction, and image manipulation. They are required to use Photoshop to carry out editing tasks such as masking, rebuilding, and cleaning of images. Retouchers must work exclusively with photographers and manage high volumes of photo organization. They must also maintain an organized electronic database of digital images.
Photo Editors are employees in the creatives or marketing department of the company. They handle photos used by the company for its marketing collaterals, social media posts, or publishing. They also ensure that the photos are in line with the company's brand and image. Photo Editors may add items or elements to make the photo more eye-catching.
Retouchers and photo editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Retoucher | Photo Editor | |
| Average salary | $51,538 | $63,168 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $107,000 | Between $38,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Professional |
There are a few differences between a retoucher and a photo editor in terms of educational background:
| Retoucher | Photo Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Photography | Photography |
| Most common college | - | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between retouchers' and photo editors' demographics:
| Retoucher | Photo Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.8% Female, 42.2% | Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 14.2% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 12% |