What You Need to Know About Technical Writer
Technical Writer Definition Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
What Do Technical Writers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Review manufacturer’s and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
- Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
- Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
- Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
- Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
- Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Technical Writer?
Technical Writers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Technical Writer Jobs
- Documentation Specialist/Technical Writer
- Technical Publications Writer
- Tech Writer
- Expert Medical Writer
- Global Technical Writer
Job Outlook for Technical Writers
There were about 52,400 jobs for Technical Writer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,700 new jobs for Technical Writer by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,700 positions for Technical Writer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Technical Writer are Nevada, Utah, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Hawaii, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Technical Writer Salary
Technical Writers make between $43,110 and $114,930 a year.
Technical Writers who work in California, Washington, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Technical Writers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $69,970 |
| Alaska | $72,250 |
| Arizona | $69,580 |
| Arkansas | $61,030 |
| California | $91,310 |
| Colorado | $80,250 |
| Connecticut | $81,290 |
| Delaware | $77,010 |
| District of Columbia | $86,120 |
| Florida | $62,710 |
| Georgia | $75,170 |
| Hawaii | $62,070 |
| Idaho | $61,710 |
| Illinois | $69,320 |
| Indiana | $65,130 |
| Iowa | $57,060 |
| Kansas | $62,020 |
| Kentucky | $71,610 |
| Louisiana | $68,120 |
| Maine | $65,030 |
| Maryland | $80,130 |
| Massachusetts | $89,630 |
| Michigan | $68,580 |
| Minnesota | $66,970 |
| Mississippi | $67,680 |
| Missouri | $58,840 |
| Montana | $55,700 |
| Nebraska | $60,580 |
| Nevada | $66,040 |
| New Hampshire | $76,020 |
| New Jersey | $84,280 |
| New Mexico | $76,640 |
| New York | $76,380 |
| North Carolina | $76,070 |
| North Dakota | $56,140 |
| Ohio | $63,340 |
| Oklahoma | $57,450 |
| Oregon | $68,320 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,060 |
| Rhode Island | $67,200 |
| South Carolina | $67,000 |
| South Dakota | $50,320 |
| Tennessee | $66,080 |
| Texas | $75,000 |
| Utah | $66,940 |
| Vermont | $74,730 |
| Virginia | $85,450 |
| Washington | $86,470 |
| West Virginia | $40,210 |
| Wisconsin | $59,480 |
| Wyoming | $64,010 |
What Tools & Technology do Technical Writers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Technical Writers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- SAS
- IBM Notes
How to Become a Technical Writer
What kind of Technical Writer requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Technical Writers Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Technical Writers employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: KOKUYO via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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