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The differences between science writers and news 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 news editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a science writer has an average salary of $69,214, which is higher than the $53,822 average annual salary of a news editor.
The top three skills for a science writer include biomedical, NIH and scientific content. The most important skills for a news editor are news stories, news coverage, and instagram.
| Science Writer | News Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $53,822 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $25.88 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 12,484 |
| 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.
A News Editor reviews and changes the content of a publication provided by writers and other contributors. They generally work for newspapers, magazines, and websites.
Science writers and news editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | News Editor | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $53,822 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $35,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a news editor in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | News 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 news editors' demographics:
| Science Writer | News Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 53.5% Female, 46.5% |
| 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |