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The differences between science writers and senior 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 writer. Additionally, a senior writer has an average salary of $80,145, 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 writer are project management, web content, and wordpress.
| Science Writer | Senior Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $80,145 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $38.53 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 15,995 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| 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 writer is responsible for assisting junior writers in creating compositions and digital content according to business functions and client needs. A senior writer should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as well as extensive knowledge of composition structures and developing engaging pieces to attract the target audience and potential clients, driving resources for revenue and profits. They also coordinate with clients on any adjustments and instructions to support their goals and objectives.
Science writers and senior writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Senior Writer | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $80,145 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $54,000 And $117,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Professional |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a senior writer in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Senior Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | Biology | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between science writers' and senior writers' demographics:
| Science Writer | Senior Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2% |
| 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, 6.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 16% |