Post job

Staff editor vs managing editor

The differences between staff 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 staff editor and a managing editor. Additionally, a staff editor has an average salary of $110,850, which is higher than the $89,060 average annual salary of a managing editor.

The top three skills for a staff editor include art directors, SEO and HTML. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

Staff editor vs managing editor overview

Staff EditorManaging Editor
Yearly salary$110,850$89,060
Hourly rate$53.29$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs79,30516,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a staff editor do?

A staff editor is responsible for performing research and uncovering newsworthy stories. They also maintain notes in written or electronic form. They write content and contribute to content idea generation for their publication. They keep up with local, national, and international affairs so that they can write something about the issues. They must have a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications.

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.

Staff editor vs managing editor salary

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

Staff EditorManaging Editor
Average salary$110,850$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $75,000 And $161,000Between $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 staff editor and managing editor education

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

Staff EditorManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorEnglishJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Staff editor vs managing editor demographics

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

Staff EditorManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 50.2% Female, 49.8%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 staff editor and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Staff editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage campaign performance through data analysis and reporting, with actionable takeaways per designate KPI.
  • Read through and rate short fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry submissions from students.
  • Leverage meticulous attention to detail in technical editing and proofreading all content from project inception to completion.
  • Analyze FrameMaker source document and provide feedback to XML architects to improve accuracy of conversion.

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

Staff editor vs managing editor skills

Common staff editor skills
  • Art Directors, 29%
  • SEO, 10%
  • HTML, 9%
  • CMS, 6%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Music Videos, 4%
Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs