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Specifications writer vs senior editor

The differences between specifications writers and senior 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 senior editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a senior editor has an average salary of $90,094, which is higher than the $72,326 average annual salary of a specifications writer.

The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a senior editor are edit content, video content, and SEO.

Specifications writer vs senior editor overview

Specifications WriterSenior Editor
Yearly salary$72,326$90,094
Hourly rate$34.77$43.31
Growth rate6%-5%
Number of jobs15,59612,150
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
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 senior editor do?

A Senior Editor determines the editorial content for a publication. They supervise the content creation process and manage junior editors.

Specifications writer vs senior editor salary

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

Specifications WriterSenior Editor
Average salary$72,326$90,094
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $105,000Between $66,000 And $121,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between specifications writer and senior editor education

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

Specifications WriterSenior Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorBusinessEnglish
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaNorthwestern University

Specifications writer vs senior editor demographics

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

Specifications WriterSenior Editor
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 49.8% Female, 50.2%Male, 51.7% Female, 48.3%
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, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage11%12%

Differences between specifications writer and senior 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

Senior editor example responsibilities.

  • Contract and manage editorial freelancers and full-service vendors for successful high school Spanish and Latin textbook and ancillary programs.
  • Post video to the Fox17 website and youtube.
  • Complete several robust DVD authoring projects for clients.
  • Redesign the look and the style of lifestyle magazine.
  • Double traffic on the Instagram page with newly implement marketing plan.
  • Content editing for automobile DVD user manuals (English, French and Spanish).
  • Show more

Specifications writer vs senior editor skills

Common specifications writer skills
  • Technical Specifications, 17%
  • Data Sheets, 11%
  • Leed, 11%
  • Product Flow, 9%
  • Architectural Specifications, 7%
  • Construction Specifications, 7%
Common senior editor skills
  • Edit Content, 11%
  • Video Content, 7%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Digital Content, 6%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • Facebook, 3%

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