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The differences between specifications writers and publishers 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 publisher takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $71,539 average annual salary of a publisher.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a publisher are press releases, customer satisfaction, and strategic thinking.
| Specifications Writer | Publisher | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $71,539 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $34.39 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 10,303 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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.
A publisher manages the design, editing, and production process with the help of proofreaders, printers, and editors. Publishers make schedules for every stage of the process and work backward from the planned date for publication. They distribute promotional catalogs to libraries and booksellers. They set the commercial and editorial direction for businesses publishing newspapers, digital content, magazines, and books. It is their duty to make decisions on the markets that their firms will serve as well as the type of content that they will give to their audience.
Specifications writers and publishers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Publisher | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $71,539 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $42,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Stamford, CT |
| Highest paying state | - | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | - | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a publisher in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | Publisher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between specifications writers' and publishers' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Publisher | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 55.7% Female, 44.3% |
| 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, 7.1% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |