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The differences between specifications writers and writers 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 writer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a specifications writer has an average salary of $72,326, which is higher than the $66,143 average annual salary of a writer.
The top three skills for a specifications writer include technical specifications, data sheets and leed. The most important skills for a writer are work ethic, customer service, and web content.
| Specifications Writer | Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $72,326 | $66,143 |
| Hourly rate | $34.77 | $31.80 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 15,596 | 13,931 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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 writer can have different responsibilities depending on which industry or line of work they are involved. There are writers assigned in a corporate setting, some in journalism, while there are also writers in the entertainment Industry. Although they focus on varying types of writing, they all function to inform. Among the typical duties of writers involve producing content within allotted time or deadline, gather information and verify to ensure accuracy, proofread, and undergo review and revisions.
Specifications writers and writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Specifications Writer | Writer | |
| Average salary | $72,326 | $66,143 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $105,000 | Between $40,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a specifications writer and a writer in terms of educational background:
| Specifications Writer | Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Business | English |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between specifications writers' and writers' demographics:
| Specifications Writer | Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% |
| 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, 6.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 16% |