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The differences between science writers and senior technical writers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a science writer and a senior technical writer. Additionally, a senior technical writer has an average salary of $70,820, 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 senior technical writer are technical documentation, subject matter experts, and API.
| Science Writer | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $70,820 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $34.05 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 80,897 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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 senior technical writer's role is to oversee the progress within a team or department, ensuring quality and timeliness. It is their responsibility to delegate tasks, set deadlines, carry out corrective measures on any issues, and implement the company's regulations and policies. There are also instances when they participate in producing written content, even editing and reviewing materials of the staff. As someone with more experience, a senior technical writer must encourage and lead fellow writers, shaping them into valuable assets.
Science writers and senior technical writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $70,820 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $54,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | PayPal |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a senior technical writer in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Biology | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Houston |
Here are the differences between science writers' and senior technical writers' demographics:
| Science Writer | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% |
| 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, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |