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The differences between specifications writers and proposal 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 proposal writer. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $68,706 average annual salary of a proposal writer.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a proposal writer are subject matter experts, powerpoint, and business development.
| Specifications Writer | Proposal Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $68,706 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $33.03 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 18,125 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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.
Proposal Writers help clients win contracts, grants from the government, or even permission to perform a consulting service. They must ensure that all important information is included in the paperwork and documents.
Specifications writers and proposal writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Proposal Writer | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $68,706 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $48,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | Virginia |
| Best paying company | - | Precise Software Solutions |
| Best paying industry | - | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a proposal writer in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | Proposal Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between specifications writers' and proposal writers' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Proposal Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 38.5% Female, 61.5% |
| 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, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |