Deputy editors work in the publishing industry and normally come second in hierarchical status to the editor or senior editor. Sometimes they will assist an editor and other times they will be in overall control of a publication but may not have enough experience to warrant the position of editor, even though they will carry out the same duties.

Functions

Deputy editors edit and review the work of the writers and act as next in command to the senior editor. Some may also do writing. Their role will differ depending on the publication and whether or not there is a working editor above them. Editorial duties may include organizing content, reviewing material, aiding in design and coming up with story ideas. They will also supervise writers in the absence of a senior editor.

Work Environment

The working environment of a deputy editor is often in the office sitting in front of the computer. They may also travel to conduct interviews and other research for articles. With the creation of the Internet, deputy editors and writers have the flexibility to work from wherever they have a laptop, meaning that more time is spent working from home. Deputy editors normally work a regular week of around 40 hours Monday to Friday. Overtime might be necessary when deadlines loom.

Qualifications

Most deputy editors need to have at least a bachelor's degree. Degrees in subjects such as journalism, English and communications are favored. Specialist deputy editors such as those who write about engineering or information technology find that degrees in these fields are beneficial.

Prospects

In 2008 there were approximately 130,000 editors working in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry, including writer, editors and authors, is set to see growth of around 12 percent through 2018, which is above the national average for all jobs in the U.S. The sector set to see the biggest increase in staff numbers is web-related media and online publications.

Earnings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of editors in the U.S. in 2008 was $49,990. The middle 50 percent earned between $36.690 and $69,140 with the top 10 percent taking home more than $95,490 a year. Those working for newspapers, periodicals, book publishers and directories averaged $49,280 a year.