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Technical writer lead vs research writer

The differences between technical writer leads and research 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 lead and a research writer. Additionally, a technical writer lead has an average salary of $66,624, which is higher than the $50,741 average annual salary of a research writer.

The top three skills for a technical writer lead include technical documentation, subject matter experts and maintenance procedures. The most important skills for a research writer are research topics, press releases, and editorials.

Technical writer lead vs research writer overview

Technical Writer LeadResearch Writer
Yearly salary$66,624$50,741
Hourly rate$32.03$24.39
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs75,69760,595
Job satisfaction-4.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

Technical writer lead vs research writer salary

Technical writer leads and research writers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Technical Writer LeadResearch Writer
Average salary$66,624$50,741
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $85,000Between $32,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City-Brookline, MA
Highest paying state-Virginia
Best paying company-St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Best paying industry-Non Profits

Differences between technical writer lead and research writer education

There are a few differences between a technical writer lead and a research writer in terms of educational background:

Technical Writer LeadResearch Writer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorEnglishEnglish
Most common collegeUniversity of HoustonMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Technical writer lead vs research writer demographics

Here are the differences between technical writer leads' and research writers' demographics:

Technical Writer LeadResearch Writer
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 53.5% Female, 46.5%Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 8.6% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between technical writer lead and research writer duties and responsibilities

Technical writer lead example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate meetings, write and edit documentation, maintain SharePoint database, manage high-visibility special projects in a fast-pace environment.
  • Design graphics and illustrations for product documentation and training materials (CorelDraw and Visio).
  • Model include XML, HTML, and style sheet templates, guidelines, and training sessions.
  • Collaborate with SMEs to understand technical specifications.
  • Design an HTML instructional help system for a secure-encryption network product.
  • Process documents though the BCCR process for FDA regulations and legal requirements.
  • Show more

Research writer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the proposal lifecycle, including RFP analysis, regular communications, proposal development and production consistent with branding strategies.
  • Upload content and photos on Wordpress and create SEO meta descriptions.
  • Recognize by audience as thought leader in NFL coverage and commentary.
  • Assist the editor-in-chief with expanding the team of contributing writers to attract readers.
  • Proofread and spell check written content, review articles, videos, and books regarding the given topic.
  • Research various topics base on clients requests in order to write keyword articles for search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Show more

Technical writer lead vs research writer skills

Common technical writer lead skills
  • Technical Documentation, 8%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 7%
  • Maintenance Procedures, 6%
  • Status Reports, 6%
  • Engineering Drawings, 5%
  • User Guides, 4%
Common research writer skills
  • Research Topics, 15%
  • Press Releases, 13%
  • Editorials, 8%
  • Web Content, 6%
  • Conduct Research, 6%
  • Oral Histories, 4%

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