Salary by Category: Editor/Executive Editor
SEE ALSO: Main Page
Editorial Director
Managing Editor/Senior Editor
EDITOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Seventy percent of editorial directors expect an increase in total compensation this year, more than any other category surveyed, but many are finding it hard to stay motivated.
Without a doubt, it is a challenging time for the industry, though some seem to be feeling the heat more than others. One respondent cited, as biggest challenges of the job, “Dealing with top management who are incredibly cheap. Dealing with turf wars with our online edit staff. Retaining and motivating staffers with no hope of ever getting more than a 3-4 percent raise no matter what they do, including promotions. Trying to stay positive when dealing with my staff and keep them from losing heart about how little the head honchos care.”
This animosity towards upper management is not uncommon. “They want more, but won’t pay for it,” wrote one respondent. “They have no clue what it’s like in the trenches.” Others are stressed about implementing new technologies: “It feels like we’re redesigning the car while driving 70 mph.”
But despite these complaints, 68 percent of executive editors surveyed say they are highly satisfied with their jobs, aside from compensation. “I love the actual edit function of my job,” one wrote. As most rewarding aspects, one wrote, “Giving voice to a community,” while others cited “developing younger staff,” “working with great writers, editors and designers,” and “reinventing journalism on the Web, mentoring the first group of Web journalists.”
Overall, 70 percent expect an increase in total compensation this year, the highest of all categories surveyed. Twenty-six percent expect no change, while 3 percent expect a decrease. Some see e-media as an opportunity for more money: “If we can develop a profitable Web site, salaries should go up.” Others see it as a drain: “Emphasis on Web initiatives consumes any spare cash. Even as gross revenues rise, salaries remain constant.”
AVERAGE SALARY BY:
Gender
Male: $75,500
Female: $56,400
Age
Under 40: $49,700
40 or older: $77,500
Education
Graduated college: $60,600
Postgrad degree: $72,100
In New York City Area
Yes: $86,800
No: $60,200
Geographic Distribution
Northeast: $78,800
Midwest: $57,800
South: $59,700
West: $59,900
Years in Publishing Industry
10 years or fewer: $47,300
10-19 years: $61,500
20 years or more: $82,900
Years in Editorial-Related Function
5 years or fewer: $42,900
5-9 years: $48,500
10 years or more: $74,400
Years at Present Company
5 years or fewer: $55,900
5-9 years: $64,200
10 years or more: $77,800
Years in Current Position
2 years or fewer: $55,500
3-9 years: $68,400
10 years or more: $90,100
Number of Publications Worked On
1 magazine: $67,100
2 magazines or more: $62,300
Number of Employees Supervised
None: $50,200
1-4 employees: $60,900
5 employees or more: $96,300
Company Revenue
Less than $3 million: $49,800
$3 to $9.9 million: $59,700
$10 million or more: $71,100
Revenue of Respondent’s Publications
Less than $3 million: $57,800
$3 million or more: $77,900
Paid/Controlled Publications
Paid onl: $73,000
Controlled only: $62,700
Mix of both: $60,100
Source: FOLIO: and Readex Research
COMMENTS: 3
Post Comment / Discuss This Story - Info/Rules
FOLIO: PRIME SPONSORS
