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The differences between specifications writers and 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 editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $52,107 average annual salary of an editor.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for an editor are web content, video content, and SEO.
| Specifications Writer | Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $52,107 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $25.05 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 15,115 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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 editor is the one responsible for polishing and refining a story, article, and any material for publication in newspapers, magazines, books, or websites. Editors have the power to either accept or reject a material as they need to ensure that every manuscript which will be offered for publishing is at the best version as it can be. There are several types of editors, from copy editors, books to managing editors, but they have few skills in common, like strong writing skills, good judgment, and leadership abilities to help guide the whole editorial team. Most of them work in the office, but it is quite becoming more regular for them to work remotely.
Specifications writers and editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Editor | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $52,107 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and an editor in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between specifications writers' and editors' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% |
| 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |