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Lead writer vs research writer

The differences between lead 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 lead writer and a research writer. Additionally, a lead writer has an average salary of $96,798, which is higher than the $50,741 average annual salary of a research writer.

The top three skills for a lead writer include web content, content strategy and integrated marketing. The most important skills for a research writer are research topics, press releases, and editorials.

Lead writer vs research writer overview

Lead WriterResearch Writer
Yearly salary$96,798$50,741
Hourly rate$46.54$24.39
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs11,36760,595
Job satisfaction-4.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

Lead writer vs research writer salary

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

Lead WriterResearch Writer
Average salary$96,798$50,741
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $150,000Between $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 lead writer and research writer education

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

Lead WriterResearch Writer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Lead writer vs research writer demographics

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

Lead WriterResearch Writer
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 61.9% Female, 38.1%Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 8.6% White, 72.0% 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 Percentage11%11%

Differences between lead writer and research writer duties and responsibilities

Lead writer example responsibilities.

  • Create and manage print and online documentation for Linux and web-base security software.
  • Develop information model for migration to a DITA xml-base content management system and structure authoring tool.
  • Assist in developing training objectives and supporting documentation both for in-person and online delivery using RoboHelp.
  • Spearhead and develop an online documentation system utilizing XML design to replace paper manuals with on the fly documentation generation.
  • Gather and produce news sound clips.
  • Produce national television programming including short news roll-ins, teasers, man-on-the-street and fundraising clips.
  • Show more

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

Lead writer vs research writer skills

Common lead writer skills
  • Web Content, 17%
  • Content Strategy, 9%
  • Integrated Marketing, 8%
  • Video Scripts, 6%
  • Blog Posts, 5%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 5%
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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