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The differences between technical writer and editors and content 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 technical writer and editor, becoming a content editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a technical writer and editor has an average salary of $65,088, which is higher than the $61,694 average annual salary of a content editor.
The top three skills for a technical writer and editor include technical documentation, powerpoint and technical specifications. The most important skills for a content editor are digital content, web content, and digital marketing.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Content Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $65,088 | $61,694 |
| Hourly rate | $31.29 | $29.66 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 78,617 | 18,586 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A technical writer and editor is primarily responsible for producing written content that defines and explains technical concepts to inform and educate readers. As a writer, it is essential to research and fact-check details to ensure the material's accuracy and value. They mostly follow directives and complete materials within an allotted deadline and format. Moreover, as an editor, they must also review and proofread materials for any errors and inconsistencies, perform corrective measures, and revise as needed.
A content editor is an individual who is responsible for proof-reading articles written by content writers and write blog posts to promote the products and services of an organization. Content editors are responsible for producing monthly newsletters and optimize written pieces to increase user engagement. They need to interact with the consumers with the purpose of sourcing feedback on the content's impact actively. Content editors must also conduct business research on current trends to give the company an edge over the competition.
Technical writer and editors and content editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Content Editor | |
| Average salary | $65,088 | $61,694 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $82,000 | Between $41,000 And $91,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | New York |
| Best paying company | Pegasystems | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a technical writer and editor and a content editor in terms of educational background:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Content Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 79% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | University of Houston | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between technical writer and editors' and content editors' demographics:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Content Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.7% Female, 58.3% | Male, 43.5% Female, 56.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 8.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |