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Reporter vs proposal writer

The differences between reporters and proposal 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 reporter and a proposal writer. Additionally, a proposal writer has an average salary of $68,706, which is higher than the $46,667 average annual salary of a reporter.

The top three skills for a reporter include news stories, digital marketing and facebook. The most important skills for a proposal writer are subject matter experts, powerpoint, and business development.

Reporter vs proposal writer overview

ReporterProposal Writer
Yearly salary$46,667$68,706
Hourly rate$22.44$33.03
Growth rate-10%6%
Number of jobs11,17918,125
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4046
Years of experience22

What does a reporter do?

In journalism, a reporter is responsible for relaying truthful and reliable information to the public audience through various mediums such as print and media. A reporter must ensure to gather necessary and factual data that are supported by interviews and comments of those involved, remain unbiased in all aspects, produce a concise and comprehensive informational material within an allotted time, and efficiently coordinate with every staff. Furthermore, a reporter must remain professional at all times and adhere to the policies and regulations set by the company or network.

What does a proposal writer do?

Proposal Writers help clients win contracts, grants from the government, or even permission to perform a consulting service. They must ensure that all important information is included in the paperwork and documents.

Reporter vs proposal writer salary

Reporters and proposal writers have different pay scales, as shown below.

ReporterProposal Writer
Average salary$46,667$68,706
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $73,000Between $48,000 And $97,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNew JerseyVirginia
Best paying companyCitiPrecise Software Solutions
Best paying industryMediaInsurance

Differences between reporter and proposal writer education

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

ReporterProposal Writer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorJournalismEnglish
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyNorthwestern University

Reporter vs proposal writer demographics

Here are the differences between reporters' and proposal writers' demographics:

ReporterProposal Writer
Average age4046
Gender ratioMale, 44.8% Female, 55.2%Male, 38.5% Female, 61.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 9.7% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%11%

Differences between reporter and proposal writer duties and responsibilities

Reporter example responsibilities.

  • Report to managing editor as member of editorial staff, contribute to newspaper editorials.
  • Edit and revise press releases and submissions; proofread large amount of copy.
  • Use social media (i.e Twitter, Facebook) to relay 'trouble-spots' to local drivers.
  • Cover NFL, MLB, NBA, NASCAR and general sports news events for as Dallas-based free-lance reporter.
  • Report and write for metro, arts, lifestyle, real estate, and regional sections of major daily newspaper.
  • Cover local government, environmental issues and write features in addition to photography and pagination for twice-weekly newspaper.
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Proposal writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage proposals for DoD, aerospace, and commercial customers.
  • Manage prospective client information, proposal and marketing strategies through Salesforce.
  • Analyze contract documents, coordinate subcontractors and manage RFI s throughout cost proposal submission process.
  • Identify, plan, manage and respond to RFPs and RFIs from prospective clients, resulting in increase potential business.
  • Implement Salesforce for division and manage pipeline and post-award contract documentation.
  • Manage SharePoint file organization system and wiki cooperation sites to facilitate cooperation among internal and external proposal response participants.
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Reporter vs proposal writer skills

Common reporter skills
  • News Stories, 12%
  • Digital Marketing, 10%
  • Facebook, 6%
  • Twitter, 6%
  • Photography, 5%
  • Feature Stories, 4%
Common proposal writer skills
  • Subject Matter Experts, 12%
  • PowerPoint, 7%
  • Business Development, 6%
  • Proposal Content, 6%
  • Past Performance, 6%
  • Project Management, 5%

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