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Research writer vs proposal writer

The differences between research writers 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 research writer and a proposal writer. Additionally, a proposal writer has an average salary of $68,706, 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 proposal writer are subject matter experts, powerpoint, and business development.

Research writer vs proposal writer overview

Research WriterProposal Writer
Yearly salary$50,741$68,706
Hourly rate$24.39$33.03
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs60,59518,125
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

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 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.

Research writer vs proposal writer salary

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

Research WriterProposal Writer
Average salary$50,741$68,706
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $80,000Between $48,000 And $97,000
Highest paying CityBrookline, MAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateVirginiaVirginia
Best paying companySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalPrecise Software Solutions
Best paying industryNon ProfitsInsurance

Differences between research writer and proposal writer education

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

Research WriterProposal Writer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyNorthwestern University

Research writer vs proposal writer demographics

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

Research WriterProposal Writer
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 41.4% Female, 58.6%Male, 38.5% Female, 61.5%
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, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between research writer and proposal writer 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

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.
  • Show more

Research writer vs proposal writer skills

Common research writer skills
  • Research Topics, 15%
  • Press Releases, 13%
  • Editorials, 8%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Conduct Research, 6%
  • Oral Histories, 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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