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Writer and editor vs managing editor

The differences between writer and 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 writer and editor and a managing editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $61,482 average annual salary of a writer and editor.

The top three skills for a writer and editor include web content, blog posts and press releases. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.

Writer and editor vs managing editor overview

Writer And EditorManaging Editor
Yearly salary$61,482$89,060
Hourly rate$29.56$42.82
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs14,86516,781
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a writer and editor do?

Writing is not an easy task, so a Writer and an Editor must work together to deliver quality content. A writer's role is to gather information to create a structured written material that would serve its purpose, whether for recreational or informational. Moreover, it is the Editor's responsibility to oversee and examine what the Writer has produced. From this, the Editor will provide feedback, corrections or suggestions, and guidelines that the Writer can follow to improve the material.

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.

Writer and editor vs managing editor salary

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

Writer And EditorManaging Editor
Average salary$61,482$89,060
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $103,000Between $59,000 And $132,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateConnecticutConnecticut
Best paying companyAppleFederal Reserve Bank
Best paying industryInternetMedia

Differences between writer and editor and managing editor education

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

Writer And EditorManaging Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorEnglishJournalism
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Writer and editor vs managing editor demographics

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

Writer And EditorManaging Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 40.0% Female, 60.0%Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.1% 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 writer and editor and managing editor duties and responsibilities

Writer and editor example responsibilities.

  • Update website daily, manage Facebook/Twitter/ Instagram accounts.
  • Create articles featuring campus faculty and students, as well as lifestyle tips, and opinion editorials.
  • Work closely with magazine's editor-in-chief to hash out design ideas and content.
  • Gain 9k twitter followers in four months, and create a consistent fan base.
  • Assign stories to writers, edit them with SEO in mind, then post to proprietary CMS.
  • Pitch, write, and publish full length book/news relate articles-Edit and format images, SEO, HTML formatting
  • Show more

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

Writer and editor vs managing editor skills

Common writer and editor skills
  • Web Content, 23%
  • Blog Posts, 8%
  • Press Releases, 8%
  • Writing Articles, 3%
  • Feature Stories, 3%
  • Photography, 3%
Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%

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