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Lead writer vs writer

The differences between lead writers and writers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a lead writer, becoming a writer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a lead writer has an average salary of $96,798, which is higher than the $66,143 average annual salary of a writer.

The top three skills for a lead writer include web content, content strategy and integrated marketing. The most important skills for a writer are work ethic, customer service, and web content.

Lead writer vs writer overview

Lead WriterWriter
Yearly salary$96,798$66,143
Hourly rate$46.54$31.80
Growth rate6%4%
Number of jobs11,36713,931
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4642
Years of experience24

Lead writer vs writer salary

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

Lead WriterWriter
Average salary$96,798$66,143
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $150,000Between $40,000 And $107,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry--

Differences between lead writer and writer education

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

Lead WriterWriter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Lead writer vs writer demographics

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

Lead WriterWriter
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 61.9% Female, 38.1%Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8%
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, 6.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%16%

Differences between lead writer and 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

Writer example responsibilities.

  • Operate AP NEWSCENTER/ENPS and manage CNN feed services.
  • Manage the Instagram account, which mean publishing and keeping up to date with the articles.
  • Manage projects diligently under aggressive deadlines while maintaining editorial integrity and ensuring stories have entertainment and/or educational value.
  • Participate in roundtable discussions offering hot takes and opinions on NBA and NFL teams, players, and coaches.
  • Train all staff on using the CMS.
  • Place stories into CS3 InDesign pages.
  • Show more

Lead writer vs 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 writer skills
  • Work Ethic, 18%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Web Content, 8%
  • Math, 7%
  • SEO, 5%
  • SQL, 3%

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