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The differences between science writers and content 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 a content editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a science writer has an average salary of $69,214, which is higher than the $61,694 average annual salary of a content editor.
The top three skills for a science writer include biomedical, NIH and scientific content. The most important skills for a content editor are digital content, web content, and digital marketing.
| Science Writer | Content Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $61,694 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $29.66 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 18,586 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| 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.
A content editor is an individual who is responsible for proof-reading articles written by content writers and write blog posts to promote the products and services of an organization. Content editors are responsible for producing monthly newsletters and optimize written pieces to increase user engagement. They need to interact with the consumers with the purpose of sourcing feedback on the content's impact actively. Content editors must also conduct business research on current trends to give the company an edge over the competition.
Science writers and content editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Content Editor | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $61,694 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $41,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a content editor in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Content Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Biology | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between science writers' and content editors' demographics:
| Science Writer | Content Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 43.5% Female, 56.5% |
| 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, 8.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |