What is a technical writer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Cathy Irwin Ph.D.,
Shane Tilton Ph.D.
introduction image

A technical writer creates technical documentation, such as user manuals, instruction guides, and online help systems for software, hardware, and other products. They work closely with subject matter experts to gather information and translate complex technical concepts into clear and concise language for non-technical audiences. They ensure that documentation is accurate and meets the needs of the end-users. They use various tools and technologies including authoring software, graphic design programs, and content management systems.

What general advice would you give to a Technical Writer?

C

Cathy Irwin Ph.D.Cathy Irwin Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Professor of English, University of La Verne

Because of the pandemic, entering the workforce has been hard for many. At the same time, many employers have moved online and are meeting with clients and customers through Zoom and other online platforms. As a result, employers now, more than ever, need employees who have excellent communication skills.

English majors from La Verne graduate with excellent writing and critical thinking skills. As a result, they do have opportunities after they graduate. Many of them are hired in jobs because of their writing and editing skills. A large percentage of students decide to go to graduate school. They want to serve their communities, so they become teachers, librarians, lawyers, and officers in non-profits or the city sector.

The medical field is also starting to welcome students from the humanities because they are looking for well-rounded, articulate, and compassionate people. If students with a humanities degree want to go into the health or medical sector, they can apply to one-year post-baccalaureate programs that lead to medical school.
ScoreTechnical WriterUS Average
Salary
5.1

Avg. Salary $65,329

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
4.8

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%

Asian 8.70%

Black or African American 6.60%

Hispanic or Latino 7.79%

Unknown 4.97%

White 71.59%

Gender

female 50.28%

male 49.72%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress Level
4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.2

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.6

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Technical Writer?

Pros

  • High demand for technical writers in various industries

  • Opportunity to work remotely or freelance

  • Chance to learn new technologies and skills

  • Potential for job stability and security

  • Ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences

Cons

  • Need for constant research and staying up-to-date with technology trends

  • Occasional lack of recognition or appreciation for work done by non-technical colleagues

  • Need to work independently and manage time effectively

  • Difficulty in receiving feedback and criticism from subject matter experts

  • Challenging communication with non-tech readers

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Technical Writer career paths

Key steps to become a technical writer

  1. Explore technical writer education requirements

    Most common technical writer degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.5 %

    Master's

    11.7 %

    Associate

    11.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific technical writer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Technical Documentation8.58%
    Subject Matter Experts7.63%
    PowerPoint5.67%
    Visio4.01%
    SharePoint3.89%
  3. Complete relevant technical writer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical writers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a technical writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical writer resumes.
  4. Gain additional technical writer certifications

    Technical writer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific technical writer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for technical writers include Certified Technical Professional (CTP) and Certified Professional Technical Communicator - Expert (CPTC).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research technical writer duties and responsibilities

    • Analyze the requirements of the RFP to understand the customer s solution needs and to identify potential discriminators for competitive advantage.
    • Manage consulting projects including UNIX installation and maintenance on various engineering workstation platforms.
    • Create and manage print and online documentation for Linux and web-base security software.
    • Manage security program for DoD classify magnetic media, classify documents and physical security systems.
  6. Prepare your technical writer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your technical writer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a technical writer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Technical Writer Resume templates

    Build a professional Technical Writer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Technical Writer resume.
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  7. Apply for technical writer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a technical writer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Technical Writer Job

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Average technical writer salary

The average Technical Writer salary in the United States is $65,329 per year or $31 per hour. Technical writer salaries range between $48,000 and $87,000 per year.

Average Technical Writer Salary
$65,329 Yearly
$31.41 hourly

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How do technical writers rate their job?

-/5

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Technical Writer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2020
Pros

Diversified projects and project responsibilities.

Cons

Needing to continually explain to supposedly more educated persons the basic writing and grammar mistakes when proofreading.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Communication and completion. I like doing a complicated job and then finishing on time and within budget. Getting done and filing away, ready for the next project is the best.

Cons

Being forgotten in the rush. Complicated projects are an easy place to get left behind. I have to keep my name and voice in front of people or I get left out.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Cons

Unexpected deadlines, I guess, although it sometimes seems I do my sharpest writing in those pressured situations.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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