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The differences between specifications writers and 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 technical writer. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $65,329 average annual salary of a technical writer.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a technical writer are technical documentation, subject matter experts, and powerpoint.
| Specifications Writer | Technical Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $65,329 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $31.41 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 75,090 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| 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.
Technical Writers specialize in producing easy-to-understand instructional or informational written materials, such as media and journal articles, assessments and guidelines, and legal forms of documentation. For Technical Writers to develop well-versed content, one must conduct thorough research on the topic or idea to ensure factual legitimacy and communicate with those whose expertise aligns with the subject. Aside from producing, Technical Writers can also improve or convert complex written materials such as operating manuals or documents into one that can be easily understood by the general public.
Specifications writers and technical writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Technical Writer | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $65,329 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $48,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Meta |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a technical writer in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | 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 technical writers' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Technical Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 49.7% Female, 50.3% |
| 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, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |