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The differences between science 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 science writer, becoming an editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a science writer has an average salary of $69,214, which is higher than the $52,107 average annual salary of an editor.
The top three skills for a science writer include biomedical, NIH and scientific content. The most important skills for an editor are web content, video content, and SEO.
| Science Writer | Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $52,107 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $25.05 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 15,115 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 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.
Science writers and editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Editor | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $52,107 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a science writer and an editor in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Biology | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between science writers' and editors' demographics:
| Science Writer | Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% |
| 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, 3.6% 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% |