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The differences between science writers and managing 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 managing editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $69,214 average annual salary of a science writer.
The top three skills for a science writer include biomedical, NIH and scientific content. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.
| Science Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $89,060 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $42.82 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 16,781 |
| 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.
Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.
Science writers and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $89,060 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $59,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Federal Reserve Bank |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a managing editor in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Biology | Journalism |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between science writers' and managing editors' demographics:
| Science Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4% |
| 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, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |