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The differences between science writers and writers 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 writer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a science writer has an average salary of $69,214, which is higher than the $66,143 average annual salary of a writer.
The top three skills for a science writer include biomedical, NIH and scientific content. The most important skills for a writer are work ethic, customer service, and web content.
| Science Writer | Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $69,214 | $66,143 |
| Hourly rate | $33.28 | $31.80 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 20,214 | 13,931 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| 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 writer can have different responsibilities depending on which industry or line of work they are involved. There are writers assigned in a corporate setting, some in journalism, while there are also writers in the entertainment Industry. Although they focus on varying types of writing, they all function to inform. Among the typical duties of writers involve producing content within allotted time or deadline, gather information and verify to ensure accuracy, proofread, and undergo review and revisions.
Science writers and writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Science Writer | Writer | |
| Average salary | $69,214 | $66,143 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $110,000 | Between $40,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Fred Hutch | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a science writer and a writer in terms of educational background:
| Science Writer | Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Biology | English |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between science writers' and writers' demographics:
| Science Writer | Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% |
| 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, 6.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 16% |