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The differences between technical writer and editors and senior 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 technical writer and editor and a senior technical writer. Additionally, a senior technical writer has an average salary of $70,820, which is higher than the $65,088 average annual salary of a technical writer and editor.
The top three skills for a technical writer and editor include technical documentation, powerpoint and technical specifications. The most important skills for a senior technical writer are technical documentation, subject matter experts, and API.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $65,088 | $70,820 |
| Hourly rate | $31.29 | $34.05 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 78,617 | 80,897 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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 senior technical writer's role is to oversee the progress within a team or department, ensuring quality and timeliness. It is their responsibility to delegate tasks, set deadlines, carry out corrective measures on any issues, and implement the company's regulations and policies. There are also instances when they participate in producing written content, even editing and reviewing materials of the staff. As someone with more experience, a senior technical writer must encourage and lead fellow writers, shaping them into valuable assets.
Technical writer and editors and senior technical writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Average salary | $65,088 | $70,820 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $82,000 | Between $54,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | California |
| Best paying company | Pegasystems | PayPal |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a technical writer and editor and a senior technical writer in terms of educational background:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | University of Houston | University of Houston |
Here are the differences between technical writer and editors' and senior technical writers' demographics:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Senior Technical Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.7% Female, 58.3% | Male, 51.8% Female, 48.2% |
| 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, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |