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The differences between science writers and assistant 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 science writer, becoming an assistant editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a science writer has an average salary of $69,214, which is higher than the $52,284 average annual salary of an assistant editor.
The top three skills for a science writer include biomedical, NIH and scientific content. The most important skills for an assistant editor are editorial content, video footage, and web content.
| Science Writer | Assistant Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $52,284 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $25.14 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 8,716 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A science writer specializes in producing written materials that aim to inform and educate. There are many employment opportunities for a science writer, such as in publishing, education, film and TV, and government agencies. Although their duties vary on their place of employment, it typically includes conducting studies and scientific research, observing subjects and gathering samples, coordinating with experts, and collecting evidence. They must also produce content while adhering to deadlines and guidelines, including the employer's policies and regulations.
An assistant editor is an individual responsible for assisting an editor-in-chief or editor-at-large of a newspaper, magazine, radio program, or website. Assistant editors hold meetings with staff and freelance writers to discuss new, fresh and original content for projects on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They review assignments handed in by writers or reporters for sense, accuracy, readability, and content. Assistant editors must also utilize new media applications such as Twitter and Facebook to draw attention to an article or cause.
Science writers and assistant editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Assistant Editor | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $52,284 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Huntington, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a science writer and an assistant editor in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Assistant Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Biology | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between science writers' and assistant editors' demographics:
| Science Writer | Assistant Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 45.9% Female, 54.1% |
| 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, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |