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The differences between technical writer and editors and production 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 production 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 $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.
The top three skills for a technical writer and editor include technical documentation, powerpoint and technical specifications. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Production Editor | |
| Yearly salary | $65,088 | $53,275 |
| Hourly rate | $31.29 | $25.61 |
| Growth rate | 6% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 78,617 | 62,877 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| 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 production editor is responsible for checking publication materials before printing and distribution to ensure error-free and accurate content. Production editors must have excellent writing communication skills to perform editing and proofreading of materials efficiently, following strict requirements of publication deadlines. They also verify the resources of content, as well as identifying highly requested feature opportunities by coordinating with writers and other industry personalities. A production editor negotiates contract offers for writers, provides feedback reviews, and facilitates brainstorming sessions.
Technical writer and editors and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Production Editor | |
| Average salary | $65,088 | $53,275 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $82,000 | Between $41,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Pegasystems | Robert A.M. Stern Architects |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a technical writer and editor and a production editor in terms of educational background:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Production Editor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | University of Houston | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between technical writer and editors' and production editors' demographics:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Production Editor | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.7% Female, 58.3% | Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4% |
| 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, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 12% |