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The differences between specifications writers and grant 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 specifications writer and a grant writer. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $52,719 average annual salary of a grant writer.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a grant writer are grants management, financial reports, and proposal development.
| Specifications Writer | Grant Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $52,719 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $25.35 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 16,708 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Often working for a non-profit organization, a grant writer specializes in writing application letters for financial grants to foundations, government agencies, and companies. Their responsibilities revolve around maintaining records of data and documentation, finding grant opportunities, participating in devising strategies that benefit the company's growth, crafting correspondence, gathering requirements, and submitting and monitoring grant proposals. Furthermore, a grant writer must have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the organization they work for, including its history, vision, mission, policies, and regulations.
Specifications writers and grant writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Grant Writer | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $52,719 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $38,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a grant writer in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | Grant Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between specifications writers' and grant writers' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Grant Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 8.8% White, 71.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |