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The differences between science writers and production 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 production editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a science writer has an average salary of $69,214, which is higher than the $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.
The top three skills for a science writer include biomedical, NIH and scientific content. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| Science Writer | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| 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 production editor is responsible for checking publication materials before printing and distribution to ensure error-free and accurate content. Production editors must have excellent writing communication skills to perform editing and proofreading of materials efficiently, following strict requirements of publication deadlines. They also verify the resources of content, as well as identifying highly requested feature opportunities by coordinating with writers and other industry personalities. A production editor negotiates contract offers for writers, provides feedback reviews, and facilitates brainstorming sessions.
Science writers and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | Biology | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between science writers' and production editors' demographics:
| Science Writer | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |