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The differences between scientific writers and science 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 scientific writer and a science writer. Additionally, a scientific writer has an average salary of $99,550, which is higher than the $69,214 average annual salary of a science writer.
The top three skills for a scientific writer include IND, NDA and abstracts. The most important skills for a science writer are biomedical, NIH, and scientific content.
| Scientific Writer | Science Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $99,550 | $69,214 |
| Hourly rate | $47.86 | $33.28 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 15,960 | 20,214 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
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.
Scientific writers and science writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Scientific Writer | Science Writer | |
| Average salary | $99,550 | $69,214 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $150,000 | Between $43,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, VA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Fred Hutch |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a scientific writer and a science writer in terms of educational background:
| Scientific Writer | Science Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between scientific writers' and science writers' demographics:
| Scientific Writer | Science Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6% |
| 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, 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% |