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The differences between specifications writers and reporters 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 reporter. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $46,667 average annual salary of a reporter.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a reporter are news stories, digital marketing, and facebook.
| Specifications Writer | Reporter | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $46,667 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $22.44 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -10% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 11,179 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 46 | 40 |
| 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.
In journalism, a reporter is responsible for relaying truthful and reliable information to the public audience through various mediums such as print and media. A reporter must ensure to gather necessary and factual data that are supported by interviews and comments of those involved, remain unbiased in all aspects, produce a concise and comprehensive informational material within an allotted time, and efficiently coordinate with every staff. Furthermore, a reporter must remain professional at all times and adhere to the policies and regulations set by the company or network.
Specifications writers and reporters have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Reporter | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $46,667 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $29,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Citi |
| Best paying industry | - | Media |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a reporter in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | Reporter | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | Business | Journalism |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between specifications writers' and reporters' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Reporter | |
| Average age | 46 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 44.8% Female, 55.2% |
| 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, 6.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 9.7% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 10% |