Technical Writers

Also Called: Information Developer, Senior Technical Writer, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer

Associate's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$48,630

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Technical Writers do

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

  • Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
  • Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
  • Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing • Automotive & Machine Repair • Construction • Finance and Business • Health Care • Homeland Security • Hospitality • Information Technology • Renewable Resources and Energy • Retail Sales and Services • Transportation

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Spend Time Sitting
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

Tools

  • Scanners
  • Notebook computers
  • High capacity removable media drives
  • Digital cameras
  • Desktop computers

Technology

Web platform development software
Microsoft ASP.NET
Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
Web page creation and editing software
Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
Google Sites
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Business
administrative services
management
Communications
multimedia

Education

  • 35% Associate's degree
  • 33% Bachelor's degree
  • 16% Some college, no degree

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Administrative Services Managers

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Cartographers & Photogrammetrists

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Technical Writers Currently Selected

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Proofreaders & Copy Markers

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Aaniiih Nakoda College

    Harlem, MT

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Artistic (Creator)
    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Investigative (Thinker)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Independence
  • Initiative

Values

  • Independence
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Technical Writers across the country typically make.

$23.38 / hour
$48,630 /year

Entry Level

$38.49 / hour
$80,050 /year

Median Level

$62.23 / hour
$129,440 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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