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The differences between technical writer and editors and staff 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 staff writer. Additionally, a technical writer and editor has an average salary of $65,088, which is higher than the $44,844 average annual salary of a staff writer.
The top three skills for a technical writer and editor include technical documentation, powerpoint and technical specifications. The most important skills for a staff writer are feature stories, news stories, and event coverage.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Staff Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $65,088 | $44,844 |
| Hourly rate | $31.29 | $21.56 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 78,617 | 80,547 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| 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 staff writer is an individual who works in the television (TV) or entertainment industry to provide standard content such as news reports, reviews, and features. Since writing content is important, staff writers must be able to collaborate and brainstorm ideas with other staff members in the production process. They must attend conferences, events, or seminars to meet other people in the industry. Staff writers must also possess knowledge in scriptwriting and an in-depth understanding of the entertainment industry.
Technical writer and editors and staff writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Staff Writer | |
| Average salary | $65,088 | $44,844 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $82,000 | Between $29,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Pegasystems | The New York Times Company |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a technical writer and editor and a staff writer in terms of educational background:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Staff Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | English | Journalism |
| Most common college | University of Houston | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between technical writer and editors' and staff writers' demographics:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Staff Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.7% Female, 58.3% | Male, 49.2% Female, 50.8% |
| 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, 6.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 8.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |