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The differences between specifications writers and assistant 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 specifications writer, becoming an assistant editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $52,284 average annual salary of an assistant editor.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for an assistant editor are editorial content, video footage, and web content.
| Specifications Writer | Assistant Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $52,284 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $25.14 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 8,716 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A specifications writer specializes in developing and producing written materials that focus on technical descriptions of products, materials, and procedures. Their responsibilities include understanding and interpreting plans and processes, coordinating with engineers and other experts, creating sketches and diagrams, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They must also work together with editors, performing revisions as needed. Furthermore, as a specifications writer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
An assistant editor is an individual responsible for assisting an editor-in-chief or editor-at-large of a newspaper, magazine, radio program, or website. Assistant editors hold meetings with staff and freelance writers to discuss new, fresh and original content for projects on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They review assignments handed in by writers or reporters for sense, accuracy, readability, and content. Assistant editors must also utilize new media applications such as Twitter and Facebook to draw attention to an article or cause.
Specifications writers and assistant editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Assistant Editor | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $52,284 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Huntington, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Media |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and an assistant editor in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | Assistant Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between specifications writers' and assistant editors' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Assistant Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 45.9% Female, 54.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 8.6% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |