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The differences between science writers and publishers 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 publisher takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a publisher has an average salary of $71,539, 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 publisher are press releases, customer satisfaction, and strategic thinking.
| Science Writer | Publisher | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $71,539 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $34.39 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 10,303 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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 publisher manages the design, editing, and production process with the help of proofreaders, printers, and editors. Publishers make schedules for every stage of the process and work backward from the planned date for publication. They distribute promotional catalogs to libraries and booksellers. They set the commercial and editorial direction for businesses publishing newspapers, digital content, magazines, and books. It is their duty to make decisions on the markets that their firms will serve as well as the type of content that they will give to their audience.
Science writers and publishers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Publisher | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $71,539 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $42,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Stamford, CT |
| Highest paying state | California | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a publisher in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Publisher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Biology | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between science writers' and publishers' demographics:
| Science Writer | Publisher | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 55.7% Female, 44.3% |
| 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, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |