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Specifications writer vs senior writer

The differences between specifications writers and senior 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 writer. Additionally, a senior writer has an average salary of $80,145, 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 writer are project management, web content, and wordpress.

Specifications writer vs senior writer overview

Specifications WriterSenior Writer
Yearly salary$72,326$80,145
Hourly rate$34.77$38.53
Growth rate6%4%
Number of jobs15,59615,995
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4642
Years of experience22

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 writer do?

A senior writer is responsible for assisting junior writers in creating compositions and digital content according to business functions and client needs. A senior writer should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as well as extensive knowledge of composition structures and developing engaging pieces to attract the target audience and potential clients, driving resources for revenue and profits. They also coordinate with clients on any adjustments and instructions to support their goals and objectives.

Specifications writer vs senior writer salary

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

Specifications WriterSenior Writer
Average salary$72,326$80,145
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $105,000Between $54,000 And $117,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between specifications writer and senior writer education

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

Specifications WriterSenior Writer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorBusinessEnglish
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Specifications writer vs senior writer demographics

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

Specifications WriterSenior Writer
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 49.8% Female, 50.2%Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2%
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, 6.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%16%

Differences between specifications writer and senior writer 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 writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage agency's web site and Facebook page.
  • Volunteer to manage the company s intranet content, learning basic HTML coding.
  • Manage staff & contract writers, editors & proofreaders on large content and copywriting projects.
  • Manage publication review process, including technical and editorial review by in-house and outside reviewers.
  • Provide editorial and proofreading assistance with presentation and marketing materials, speeches and content development.
  • Skil with Snapchat and Instagram.
  • Show more

Specifications writer vs senior writer skills

Common specifications writer skills
  • Technical Specifications, 17%
  • Data Sheets, 11%
  • Leed, 11%
  • Product Flow, 9%
  • Architectural Specifications, 7%
  • Construction Specifications, 7%
Common senior writer skills
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Web Content, 8%
  • WordPress, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • Content Strategy, 5%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 4%

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