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The differences between technical writer and editors and 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 an 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 $52,107 average annual salary of an editor.
The top three skills for a technical writer and editor include technical documentation, powerpoint and technical specifications. The most important skills for an editor are web content, video content, and SEO.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $65,088 | $52,107 |
| Hourly rate | $31.29 | $25.05 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 78,617 | 15,115 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| 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.
An editor is the one responsible for polishing and refining a story, article, and any material for publication in newspapers, magazines, books, or websites. Editors have the power to either accept or reject a material as they need to ensure that every manuscript which will be offered for publishing is at the best version as it can be. There are several types of editors, from copy editors, books to managing editors, but they have few skills in common, like strong writing skills, good judgment, and leadership abilities to help guide the whole editorial team. Most of them work in the office, but it is quite becoming more regular for them to work remotely.
Technical writer and editors and editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Editor | |
| Average salary | $65,088 | $52,107 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $82,000 | Between $34,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | New York |
| Best paying company | Pegasystems | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a technical writer and editor and an editor in terms of educational background:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 77% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | University of Houston | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between technical writer and editors' and editors' demographics:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.7% Female, 58.3% | Male, 46.4% Female, 53.6% |
| 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 76.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |