TECHNICAL WRITER

Writing
Written By Keandra Wilson

🧾 Job Summary

Technical Writers—also known as technical communicators—simplify complex information into clear, accessible content. They prepare user manuals, instruction guides, FAQs, and help documents to support technical products or procedures across industries such as software, manufacturing, healthcare, and government.

📋 Key Duties & Responsibilities

  • Analyze user needs to determine how best to convey information

  • Study products and work with engineers, developers, or scientists to understand technical material

  • Create and edit manuals, help files, and online documentation

  • Integrate visual content like diagrams, animations, and screenshots

  • Ensure consistency across platforms and maintain version control

  • Review and incorporate feedback to improve clarity and usability

⚙️ Tools & Technologies

  • Writing & Editing: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Grammarly, Hemingway Editor

  • Design & Media: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Snagit, Figma

  • Documentation & CMS Tools: MadCap Flare, Confluence, SharePoint

  • Version Control & Collaboration: Git, GitHub, JIRA, Trello, Slack

  • Web & Multimedia: HTML/CSS basics, CMS platforms, video editing tools

🎓 Education & Training

  • Typical Entry-Level Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or a related field

  • Desirable Add-ons: Technical background in fields like engineering, IT, or science

  • Training: Short-term on-the-job training in formatting, industry standards, and software tools

  • Certifications (Optional but Beneficial):

    • Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)

    • AMWA Certificates (Medical writing)

    • STC (Society for Technical Communication) programs

💼 Work Settings & Conditions

  • Primarily office-based, though remote and freelance roles are increasingly common

  • Employed in sectors like:

    • Professional/Technical services (40%)

    • Manufacturing (14%)

    • Information services (11%)

    • Government (4%)

  • May work evenings or weekends to meet publishing or product deadlines

🧠 Key Skills for Success

  • Writing skills: Precision, clarity, and reader-oriented focus

  • Technical aptitude: Ability to understand and explain complex topics

  • Critical thinking: Identifying what information is essential for end-users

  • Teamwork: Collaborating with developers, designers, engineers, and product managers

  • Attention to detail: Accurate representation of information

  • Creative visualization: Using infographics and visuals to enhance comprehension

💵 Salary & Compensation

  • Median Annual Salary (2024): $91,670

  • Top 10% Earn: Over $130,430

  • By Industry:

    • Administrative & support services: $90,400

    • Professional, scientific, & technical services: $86,170

    • Government: $84,950

    • Information: $83,380

    • Manufacturing: $80,070

📈 Job Outlook

  • Growth rate (2023–2033): +4% (average)

  • New Jobs Expected: +2,000

  • Annual Openings: ~4,100

  • Growth Drivers:

    • Increase in digital products and need for user-friendly content

    • Expansion of scientific and technical industries

    • Continued need for documentation across emerging technologies

  • Limiters: Increased productivity through AI may temper demand

🔄 Career Path & Advancement

  • Entry-level: Junior Technical Writer, Content Associate, Documentation Specialist

  • Mid-level: Technical Writer, Content Developer, UX Writer

  • Senior-level: Senior Technical Communicator, Documentation Lead, Information Architect

  • Specializations: Medical writing, API documentation, software manuals, hardware guides

🔗 Professional Associations & Resources

Keandra Wilson
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