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The differences between research writers and 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 research writer, becoming an editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an editor has an average salary of $52,107, which is higher than the $50,741 average annual salary of a research writer.
The top three skills for a research writer include research topics, press releases and editorials. The most important skills for an editor are web content, video content, and SEO.
| Research Writer | Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $50,741 | $52,107 |
| Hourly rate | $24.39 | $25.05 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 60,595 | 15,115 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Research writers are professionals who conduct extensive research by taking complex information and then explaining it in lay terminology. These writers are required to conduct extensive research on various topics based on the requests of their clients to write keyword articles for search engine optimization (SEO). They must work with a wide variety of clients who specialize in web content to complete strategic research and content creation projects. Research writers must also manage research projects for companies, local and overseas.
An editor is the one responsible for polishing and refining a story, article, and any material for publication in newspapers, magazines, books, or websites. Editors have the power to either accept or reject a material as they need to ensure that every manuscript which will be offered for publishing is at the best version as it can be. There are several types of editors, from copy editors, books to managing editors, but they have few skills in common, like strong writing skills, good judgment, and leadership abilities to help guide the whole editorial team. Most of them work in the office, but it is quite becoming more regular for them to work remotely.
Research writers and editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Research Writer | Editor | |
| Average salary | $50,741 | $52,107 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $80,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Brookline, MA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | New York |
| Best paying company | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Non Profits | Technology |
There are a few differences between a research writer and an editor in terms of educational background:
| Research Writer | Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between research writers' and editors' demographics:
| Research Writer | Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6% | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |