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The differences between sound engineers 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 sound engineer, becoming an editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a sound engineer has an average salary of $52,197, which is higher than the $52,107 average annual salary of an editor.
The top three skills for a sound engineer include audio equipment, venues and A/V. The most important skills for an editor are web content, video content, and SEO.
| Sound Engineer | Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $52,197 | $52,107 |
| Hourly rate | $25.09 | $25.05 |
| Growth rate | 10% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 6,923 | 15,115 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Sound engineers are audio engineering professionals who are responsible for performing audio mixes and reproduction while manipulating the equalization and electronic effects of sound. These engineers must design and control the sound at different locations such as theaters, conferences, and any other venue that requires sound projection. By using their well-trained ears, sound engineers must control the combination of microphones, sound levels, and sound outputs. Sound engineers must also maintain and sound up sound equipment such as amplifiers, complex PA systems, and speakers for bands and other sound engineers.
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.
Sound engineers and editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sound Engineer | Editor | |
| Average salary | $52,197 | $52,107 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $95,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Philadelphia, PA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | New York |
| Best paying company | Techtronic Industries TTI | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a sound engineer and an editor in terms of educational background:
| Sound Engineer | Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 53% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Music | English |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between sound engineers' and editors' demographics:
| Sound Engineer | Editor | |
| Average age | 42 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 90.3% Female, 9.7% | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 8% | 12% |