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Technical writer and editor vs senior writer

The differences between technical writer and editors and senior 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 writer. Additionally, a senior writer has an average salary of $80,145, 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 writer are project management, web content, and wordpress.

Technical writer and editor vs senior writer overview

Technical Writer And EditorSenior Writer
Yearly salary$65,088$80,145
Hourly rate$31.29$38.53
Growth rate6%4%
Number of jobs78,61715,995
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age4642
Years of experience22

What does a technical writer and editor do?

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.

What does a senior writer do?

A senior writer is responsible for assisting junior writers in creating compositions and digital content according to business functions and client needs. A senior writer should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as well as extensive knowledge of composition structures and developing engaging pieces to attract the target audience and potential clients, driving resources for revenue and profits. They also coordinate with clients on any adjustments and instructions to support their goals and objectives.

Technical writer and editor vs senior writer salary

Technical writer and editors and senior writers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Technical Writer And EditorSenior Writer
Average salary$65,088$80,145
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $82,000Between $54,000 And $117,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateArizonaCalifornia
Best paying companyPegasystemsApple
Best paying industryTechnologyProfessional

Differences between technical writer and editor and senior writer education

There are a few differences between a technical writer and editor and a senior writer in terms of educational background:

Technical Writer And EditorSenior Writer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeUniversity of HoustonMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Technical writer and editor vs senior writer demographics

Here are the differences between technical writer and editors' and senior writers' demographics:

Technical Writer And EditorSenior Writer
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 41.7% Female, 58.3%Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.0% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%16%

Differences between technical writer and editor and senior writer duties and responsibilities

Technical writer and editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage content development and consistency utilizing exemplary editing and proofreading skills.
  • Identify and initiate wholesale computer upgrade to accommodate new CMS while allocating and managing staff resources devote to developing the software.
  • Develop self running media presentations and eLearning content.
  • Update Microsoft Visio diagrams displaying customer site computer hardware.
  • Experience in updating revisions to DoD technical and programmatic documentation.
  • Provide quick proofreading, production editing, and developmental editing.
  • Show more

Senior writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage agency's web site and Facebook page.
  • Volunteer to manage the company s intranet content, learning basic HTML coding.
  • Manage staff & contract writers, editors & proofreaders on large content and copywriting projects.
  • Manage publication review process, including technical and editorial review by in-house and outside reviewers.
  • Provide editorial and proofreading assistance with presentation and marketing materials, speeches and content development.
  • Skil with Snapchat and Instagram.
  • Show more

Technical writer and editor vs senior writer skills

Common technical writer and editor skills
  • Technical Documentation, 8%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Technical Specifications, 6%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 5%
  • DOD, 5%
  • Engineering Drawings, 4%
Common senior writer skills
  • Project Management, 8%
  • Web Content, 8%
  • WordPress, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • Content Strategy, 5%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 4%

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