What You Need to Know About Technical Writer
Technical Writer Job Description 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?
- Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
- Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
- Develop or maintain online help documentation.
- Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.
- Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
- Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
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Technical Writer Skills
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
- Electronic Publications Specialist
- Director, Medical Writing
- Electronic Publisher
- Information Developer
- Documentation Designer
Job Opportunities for Technical Writers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 52,400 jobs in the United States for Technical Writer. 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. The BLS estimates 5,700 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Average Technical Writers Salary
The average yearly salary of a Technical Writer ranges between $43,110 and $114,930.
Technical Writers who work in California, Washington, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Technical Writers 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 do I Become a Technical Writer?
Are there Technical Writers education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Technical Writer?
Where Technical Writers Are Employed
Below are examples of industries where Technical Writers work:
References:
Image Credit: KOKUYO via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
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