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The differences between principal technical writers and technical editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a principal technical writer, becoming a technical editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a principal technical writer has an average salary of $66,896, which is higher than the $61,717 average annual salary of a technical editor.
The top three skills for a principal technical writer include java, develop user and XML. The most important skills for a technical editor are powerpoint, english language, and proofreading.
| Principal Technical Writer | Technical Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $66,896 | $61,717 |
| Hourly rate | $32.16 | $29.67 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 118,883 | 78,423 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A Principal Technical Writer creates useful tutorials, videos, and product documentation in fast-paced environments. Besides writing highly technical content describing the product functionality, Principal Technical Writers also develop project programs, maintain specific project schedules and update the documentation manager about the documentation status. They put together and offer online help and enhance the first-user experience by developing tutorials. Moreover, a Principal Technical Writer delivers meaningful UI strings and useful error-free messages by working hand-in-hand with user experience team members.
A technical editor is someone who proofreads, revises, and edits technical documents. He/She or she checks for grammar, punctuation, and style to ensure that the technical content meets company standards. Some of the qualifications to become a technical editor include knowledge of technical concepts, prior experience in print or online publishing, a keen eye for details, and strong verbal and written communication skills. Someone having a bachelor's degree in English or journalism could qualify for the position.
Principal technical writers and technical editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Technical Writer | Technical Editor | |
| Average salary | $66,896 | $61,717 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $88,000 | Between $47,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a principal technical writer and a technical editor in terms of educational background:
| Principal Technical Writer | Technical Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | University of Houston | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between principal technical writers' and technical editors' demographics:
| Principal Technical Writer | Technical Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.9% Female, 48.1% | Male, 42.6% Female, 57.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 8.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |