What Does it Take to Be a Technical Writer?
Technical Writer Definition Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Technical Writer Responsibilities
- Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
- Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
- Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
- Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
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Technical Writer Required Skills
When polled, Technical Writers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Technical Writer Job Titles
- Principal Technical Writer
- Scientific Technical Writer
- Editor
- Technical Writing Lead/Mgr
- Senior Consultant in Document Excellence
What Kind of Technical Writer Job Opportunities Are There?
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. 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.
How Much Does a Technical Writer Make?
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.
How much do Technical Writers make in each U.S. state?
| 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 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?
Learn what Technical Writer education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Technical Writers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: KOKUYO via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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