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The differences between science writers and staff 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 staff writer. Additionally, a science writer has an average salary of $69,214, which is higher than the $44,844 average annual salary of a staff writer.
The top three skills for a science writer include biomedical, NIH and scientific content. The most important skills for a staff writer are feature stories, news stories, and event coverage.
| Science Writer | Staff Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $44,844 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $21.56 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 80,547 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| 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 staff writer is an individual who works in the television (TV) or entertainment industry to provide standard content such as news reports, reviews, and features. Since writing content is important, staff writers must be able to collaborate and brainstorm ideas with other staff members in the production process. They must attend conferences, events, or seminars to meet other people in the industry. Staff writers must also possess knowledge in scriptwriting and an in-depth understanding of the entertainment industry.
Science writers and staff writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Staff Writer | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $44,844 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $29,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | The New York Times Company |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a staff writer in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Staff Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | Biology | Journalism |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between science writers' and staff writers' demographics:
| Science Writer | Staff Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 49.2% Female, 50.8% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 8.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |