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Research writer vs news editor

The differences between research writers and news 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 a news editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a news editor has an average salary of $53,822, 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 a news editor are news stories, news coverage, and instagram.

Research writer vs news editor overview

Research WriterNews Editor
Yearly salary$50,741$53,822
Hourly rate$24.39$25.88
Growth rate6%-5%
Number of jobs60,59512,484
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4644
Years of experience24

What does a research writer do?

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.

What does a news editor do?

A News Editor reviews and changes the content of a publication provided by writers and other contributors. They generally work for newspapers, magazines, and websites.

Research writer vs news editor salary

Research writers and news editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research WriterNews Editor
Average salary$50,741$53,822
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $80,000Between $35,000 And $81,000
Highest paying CityBrookline, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateVirginiaNew York
Best paying companySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalApple
Best paying industryNon ProfitsProfessional

Differences between research writer and news editor education

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

Research WriterNews Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorEnglishJournalism
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyNorthwestern University

Research writer vs news editor demographics

Here are the differences between research writers' and news editors' demographics:

Research WriterNews Editor
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 41.4% Female, 58.6%Male, 53.5% Female, 46.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 76.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%12%

Differences between research writer and news editor duties and responsibilities

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

News editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage the day-to-day production of the Olympics section as needed.
  • Manage online web CMS, updating metadata, optimizing SEO, editing HTML/CSS, and directing UX/UI updates.
  • Manage content on various CMS systems, including HTML coding and training numerous staff members on various CMS systems.
  • Maintain editorial calendar, manage freelance budget and coordinate with photo editor and designers to help ensure optimal presentation of stories.
  • Cover NFL playoffs and NCAA tournament games.
  • Cover UConn s 2014 NCAA tournament championship run on site.
  • Show more

Research writer vs news editor skills

Common research writer skills
  • Research Topics, 15%
  • Press Releases, 13%
  • Editorials, 8%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Conduct Research, 6%
  • Oral Histories, 4%
Common news editor skills
  • News Stories, 10%
  • News Coverage, 8%
  • Instagram, 8%
  • Twitter, 7%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Facebook, 7%

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