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The differences between scientific writers and managing editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a scientific writer, becoming a managing editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a scientific writer has an average salary of $99,550, which is higher than the $89,060 average annual salary of a managing editor.
The top three skills for a scientific writer include IND, NDA and abstracts. The most important skills for a managing editor are web content, editorial content, and SEO.
| Scientific Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $99,550 | $89,060 |
| Hourly rate | $47.86 | $42.82 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 15,960 | 16,781 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Scientific writers are professionals who are responsible for conducting research and writing articles that are related to scientific topics for many different kinds of publications and scientific journals. These writers are required to conduct interviews with scientists and other important people to ensure accurate information about the essays they are writing. They must adapt and comply with in-house style guides as well as perform copy-editing and proofreading duties. Scientific writers must also build up a network of contacts with other professionals in the industry such as press officers, PR executives, and researchers.
Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.
Scientific writers and managing editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Scientific Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Average salary | $99,550 | $89,060 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $150,000 | Between $59,000 And $132,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, VA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Federal Reserve Bank |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Media |
There are a few differences between a scientific writer and a managing editor in terms of educational background:
| Scientific Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Biology | Journalism |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between scientific writers' and managing editors' demographics:
| Scientific Writer | Managing Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 46.6% Female, 53.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 8.6% White, 72.0% 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, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |