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The differences between specifications writers and senior technical 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 senior technical writer. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $70,820 average annual salary of a senior technical writer.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a senior technical writer are technical documentation, subject matter experts, and API.
| Specifications Writer | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $70,820 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $34.05 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 80,897 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| 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.
A senior technical writer's role is to oversee the progress within a team or department, ensuring quality and timeliness. It is their responsibility to delegate tasks, set deadlines, carry out corrective measures on any issues, and implement the company's regulations and policies. There are also instances when they participate in producing written content, even editing and reviewing materials of the staff. As someone with more experience, a senior technical writer must encourage and lead fellow writers, shaping them into valuable assets.
Specifications writers and senior technical writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $70,820 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $54,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | PayPal |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a senior technical writer in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of Houston |
Here are the differences between specifications writers' and senior technical writers' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% |
| 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, 6.6% 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% |