Mean salary levels for top editors are up in 2014 versus 2013, except for those in the association publishing market. This is exactly the reverse trend of last year, which saw top editors in association media divisions jumping slightly over 2012 salary levels while consumer and b-to-b top editors declined a bit.

Mean salaries for b-to-b editors edged up slightly from last year by just over two percent. Top consumer editors are up 7 percent from last year’s salaries and association editorial directors dipped 14 percent. 

Meanwhile, publication revenue played huge factor in salary level for this position. Publications that make more than $3 million result in a higher salary by $31,200 than top editors at publications that make less than $3 million. 

The same pattern holds for overall company revenue. Companies making $10 million or higher pay their top editors $45,000 more than companies that make $3 million or less in overall revenue.

The gender gap, while persistent, is the least pronounced for this position, with male editorial directors making about 4 percent more than their female counterparts.

As might be expected, experience matters. Top editors with 20 years or more of publishing experience earn salaries 30 percent higher than the same editors with 10-19 years of industry experience.