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Specifications writer vs news editor

The differences between specifications writers and news 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 a news editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $53,822 average annual salary of a news editor.

The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a news editor are news stories, news coverage, and instagram.

Specifications writer vs news editor overview

Specifications WriterNews Editor
Yearly salary$72,326$53,822
Hourly rate$34.77$25.88
Growth rate6%-5%
Number of jobs15,59612,484
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4644
Years of experience24

What does a specifications writer do?

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.

What does a news editor do?

A News Editor reviews and changes the content of a publication provided by writers and other contributors. They generally work for newspapers, magazines, and websites.

Specifications writer vs news editor salary

Specifications writers and news editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Specifications WriterNews Editor
Average salary$72,326$53,822
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $105,000Between $35,000 And $81,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between specifications writer and news editor education

There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a news editor in terms of educational background:

Specifications WriterNews Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorBusinessJournalism
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNorthwestern University

Specifications writer vs news editor demographics

Here are the differences between specifications writers' and news editors' demographics:

Specifications WriterNews Editor
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 49.8% Female, 50.2%Male, 53.5% Female, 46.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 76.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%12%

Differences between specifications writer and news editor duties and responsibilities

Specifications writer example responsibilities.

  • Help company achieve ISO registration by determining best practices, writing ISO compliant manufacturing instructions and teaching best manufacturing processes.
  • Involve answering RFP system specification and accompanying system requirements document (SRD).
  • Process specifications in SpecsIntact according to project requirements working with a team of engineers, architects and project managers.
  • Develop sophisticated PowerPoint presentations for cross-departmental meetings.
  • Update processes to ensure DOI, CMS and SOX compliance.
  • Develop and lead the review process for validation documentation for SOX and 21 CFR part 11 compliance.
  • Show more

News editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage the day-to-day production of the Olympics section as needed.
  • Manage online web CMS, updating metadata, optimizing SEO, editing HTML/CSS, and directing UX/UI updates.
  • Manage content on various CMS systems, including HTML coding and training numerous staff members on various CMS systems.
  • Maintain editorial calendar, manage freelance budget and coordinate with photo editor and designers to help ensure optimal presentation of stories.
  • Cover NFL playoffs and NCAA tournament games.
  • Cover UConn s 2014 NCAA tournament championship run on site.
  • Show more

Specifications writer vs news editor skills

Common specifications writer skills
  • Technical Specifications, 17%
  • Data Sheets, 11%
  • Leed, 11%
  • Product Flow, 9%
  • Architectural Specifications, 7%
  • Construction Specifications, 7%
Common news editor skills
  • News Stories, 10%
  • News Coverage, 8%
  • Instagram, 8%
  • Twitter, 7%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Facebook, 7%

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