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The differences between technical writer and editors and writers 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 writer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a writer has an average salary of $66,143, 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 writer are work ethic, customer service, and web content.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $65,088 | $66,143 |
| Hourly rate | $31.29 | $31.80 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 78,617 | 13,931 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| 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 writer can have different responsibilities depending on which industry or line of work they are involved. There are writers assigned in a corporate setting, some in journalism, while there are also writers in the entertainment Industry. Although they focus on varying types of writing, they all function to inform. Among the typical duties of writers involve producing content within allotted time or deadline, gather information and verify to ensure accuracy, proofread, and undergo review and revisions.
Technical writer and editors and writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Writer And Editor | Writer | |
| Average salary | $65,088 | $66,143 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $82,000 | Between $40,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Pegasystems | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a technical writer and editor and a writer in terms of educational background:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | University of Houston | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between technical writer and editors' and writers' demographics:
| Technical Writer And Editor | Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 41.7% Female, 58.3% | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% |
| 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, 6.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 75.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 16% |