What You Need to Know About Technical Writer
Occupation Description Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
List of Technical Writer Job Duties
- Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
- Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
- Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
- Review manufacturer’s and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
- Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
- Develop or maintain online help documentation.
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What Every Technical Writer Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Technical Writers say are important on the job.
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
- Narrative Writer
- Manual Writer
- Documentation Designer
- Engineering Documentation Specialist
- Clinical Writer
Is There Going to be Demand for Technical Writers?
In the United States, there were 52,400 jobs for Technical Writer in 2016. 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.
Technical Writer Average 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 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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Technical Writers:
- 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
Becoming a Technical Writer
Individuals working as a Technical Writer have obtained the following education levels:
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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