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Contract writer vs research writer

The differences between contract writers and research writers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a contract writer and a research writer. Additionally, a contract writer has an average salary of $91,260, which is higher than the $50,741 average annual salary of a research writer.

The top three skills for a contract writer include web content, SEO and press releases. The most important skills for a research writer are research topics, press releases, and editorials.

Contract writer vs research writer overview

Contract WriterResearch Writer
Yearly salary$91,260$50,741
Hourly rate$43.88$24.39
Growth rate4%6%
Number of jobs23,67160,595
Job satisfaction-4.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4246
Years of experience22

Contract writer vs research writer salary

Contract writers and research writers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Contract WriterResearch Writer
Average salary$91,260$50,741
Salary rangeBetween $61,000 And $136,000Between $32,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City-Brookline, MA
Highest paying state-Virginia
Best paying company-St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Best paying industry-Non Profits

Differences between contract writer and research writer education

There are a few differences between a contract writer and a research writer in terms of educational background:

Contract WriterResearch Writer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeUniversity of HoustonMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Contract writer vs research writer demographics

Here are the differences between contract writers' and research writers' demographics:

Contract WriterResearch Writer
Average age4246
Gender ratioMale, 38.5% Female, 61.5%Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 8.6% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage16%11%

Differences between contract writer and research writer duties and responsibilities

Contract writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the proposal lifecycle, including RFP analysis, regular communications, proposal development and production consistent with branding strategies.
  • Manage the proposal lifecycle, including RFP analysis, regular communications, proposal development and production consistent with branding strategies.
  • Interview subject matter experts and process source data to write biographies and profiles.
  • Post social media and hospital promotional/patient testimonial YouTube videos.

Research writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the proposal lifecycle, including RFP analysis, regular communications, proposal development and production consistent with branding strategies.
  • Upload content and photos on Wordpress and create SEO meta descriptions.
  • Recognize by audience as thought leader in NFL coverage and commentary.
  • Assist the editor-in-chief with expanding the team of contributing writers to attract readers.
  • Proofread and spell check written content, review articles, videos, and books regarding the given topic.
  • Research various topics base on clients requests in order to write keyword articles for search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Show more

Contract writer vs research writer skills

Common contract writer skills
  • Web Content, 15%
  • SEO, 12%
  • Press Releases, 12%
  • Blog Posts, 12%
  • Website Copy, 4%
  • Copywriting, 4%
Common research writer skills
  • Research Topics, 15%
  • Press Releases, 13%
  • Editorials, 8%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Conduct Research, 6%
  • Oral Histories, 4%

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