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What Does a Technical Writer Do? 2024 Career Guide

Learn more about what a technical writer does and the skills and education you need to begin your career.

Technical writers, also known as technical communicators, are responsible for explaining processes to consumers of various industries, such as health care and IT. As a technical writer, you communicate complicated ideas or instructions through guidebooks, manuals, brochures, or graphics. You’ll focus on communicating information and ensuring that it’s easy for the reader to understand. 

Keep in mind. Technical writing differs from creative writing because you’re responsible for communicating instructions or information to the consumer in a concise, simplified way. The language you use should be clear and professional and should represent the company and its goals.

What is a technical writer?

Technical writers are professional writers who produce instructions and how-to guides for consumers. Technical writers write the answers to frequently asked questions for businesses and work directly with their clients to accurately create and write content for them. 

Technical writer vs. content writer

Technical writers and content writers both use writing to communicate; however, the two roles are not the same. The biggest difference is the intention behind the writing. While content writers focus on selling a product or idea, technical writers are responsible for explaining a product or service.

Technical writing is objective. While creativity is necessary for simplifying complicated ideas, technical writing itself is unemotive and straightforward. Content writing focuses more on using your imagination to market a product to a consumer.

Another major difference between the two writing styles is search engine optimization (SEO). Content writers implement SEO as a way to reach an audience through keywords. Using keywords increases the chances of your article appearing in online search results. SEO is important for any kind of writing or selling of a product, however, as a content writer you are more likely to use it.

What does a technical writer do?

Technical writers communicate on behalf of a company. As a technical writer, you have many different tasks and responsibilities that differ based on your employer and what industry you work in. You’ll also be involved directly with researching, observing, and writing documents based on your research.

Technical writer tasks and responsibilities 

Your role as a technical writer has many different responsibilities depending on the field you work in. However, certain responsibilities exist across all technical writer roles. 

Common responsibilities include:

Simplifying documents: Technical writers take complex ideas and make them easy for people to understand. The simplification of documents and other materials allows consumers to digest the information more easily, as well as get their questions for the company answered.

Editing: You are responsible for editing and proofreading documents, manuals, and other written work given to you by your employer. Proofreading and editing are essential to making writing more concise and straightforward and preventing writing errors from being published.

Communicating: Technical writers must communicate through the written word. You also have to communicate with your coworkers, employers, and others. You get feedback from consumers and apply that information to what you’re writing.

Technical writer skills

You need specific skills to be a successful technical writer. First and foremost, you have to know the voice and goals of the company you are working for. As a writer, you are representing your employer by answering questions and creating important documentation on their behalf. 

Common technical writer skills include:

Writing: Technical writers are skilled in writing and often have a degree in English or a related field. Your resume or portfolio should include examples of your writing style but also state that you can adapt to the voice of the company you work for. 

Research: As a technical writer, you will participate in research and study on behalf of your client. An important skill to have is knowing how to apply the information gathered to your writing. The results of your research may impact your overall message and may include feedback from customers using the company’s product or service.

Collaboration: An important aspect of technical writing is working with your leaders, peers, as well as with consumers of the company’s product to understand their feedback. Writing itself is usually done by one individual at a time, but the processes leading up to writing are important in creating a good final product. 

Technical writer salary and job outlook

The median salary for a technical writer in the US is $78,060 as of May 2021, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [ 1 ]. The salary of a technical writer varies based on your location within the United States, your seniority, and your employer. 

The BLS predicts technical writer roles to grow 6 percent between 2021 and 2031, with approximately 5,400 job openings each year. There were 55,400 technical writers employed in 2021, and BLS projects that number to increase to 58,400 by 2031 [ 2 ].

Technical writer career path

A job in technical writing typically requires a bachelor’s degree and a writing portfolio. Your future employer may want to see your experience and writing abilities to determine whether you’re fit for the role. 

Education and training

To become a technical writer, employers will typically require at least a bachelor’s degree.  According to Zippia, 72.5 percent of technical writers have a bachelor’s degree and 11 percent with a master’s [ 3 ]. Relevant degrees include English, science, IT, finance, or business administration.

Associations such as the Society for Technical Communication and the American Medical Writers Association offer training and certifications for technical writers who wish to continue pursuing higher education and developing their skills. Certification or additional training is not typically required to become a technical writer, but it can help you in building your resume and fine-tuning your expertise.

Getting started with Coursera

If you’re ready to start your career as a technical writer, begin by enhancing your skills and gaining experience to build your resume. Explore Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order by the University of Michigan on Coursera to increase your knowledge and get more information about technical writing. Upon completion, earn a certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile. 

Article sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Technical Writers , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm.” Accessed September 6, 2023.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “ Technical Writers: How to Become One , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm#tab-4.” Accessed September 6, 2023.

Zippia. “ How to become a technical writer , https://www.zippia.com/technical-writer-jobs/how-to-become-a-technical-writer/ .” Accessed September 6, 2023.

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Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

How to Become a Technical Writer

Technical writing helps you share your technical knowledge and experience with others. It also helps you reinforce your knowledge of the topic you're writing about while demonstrating your technical abilities and talents.

In this article, I will explain what you need to know to become a technical writer. We'll learn about what technical writing is, the skills you need, how to become a technical writer, and tips to help you become really good at it.

What is technical writing?

We can define technical writing in a number of different ways. But the definition by Grammar is the most helpful and explains exactly what technical writing is all about:

"Technical writing is a type of writing where the author writes about a particular subject that requires direction, instruction, or explanation."

Simply put, technical writing involves straightforward, easy-to-understand explanations of and instructions for a particular subject.

What skills should technical writers have?

A common assumption among many would-be writers is that they can't write well because they were not born with the gift or skill of writing. This raises the question: are writers born or made?

I was curious to know what other people thought about this popular myth, so I tweeted about it.

It was fascinating to read everyone's opinion on this popular myth. Most people said they believe writers were born, while others disagreed and said writers were made. Interestingly, another set of people thought writers were both born and made. Crazy right?

I am sure you are curious to know what I think about this, so I will tell you. 😉

I believe that anybody, whether born with some sort of innate ability or not, can learn how to become a great writer. I know that I wasn't born with the gift of writing, so I decided to be more intentional about learning how to write.

Truth be told, most of the technical writers you see today likely had to develop or learn specific skills to become good at writing.

Now to the point 😃, here are five essential skills you should develop to be a successful technical writer:

Know How to Write

I know it might be confusing to see that writing is one of the skills required to be a technical writer. You might think that technical writing and writing are the same, but they are not.

Think of writing in general as the process of using symbols (letters of the alphabet, punctuation, and spaces) to communicate thoughts and ideas in a readable form. Technical writing , on the other hand, is the more specific process of sharing or conveying your ideas, views, instructions, and suggestions logically and technically.

The first and most important skill every technical writer needs to be able to write in their preferred language for communication. For example, if you intend to use English to write technical articles, you need to understand how to compose words and communicate with the English Language. Want to get better at writing? Follow the steps below:

• Learn the grammar and language rules for your preferred language for communication.
• Understand the power of illustrations in writing.
• Read more! Trust me, reading will help you expand your vocabulary.
• Most importantly, write using your preferred language of communication.

Know Your Audience

Identifying, understanding, and tailoring your content for a specific audience will make your articles or documentation stand out. That's why you need to know your audience.

When you understand the audience, you will be able to tailor your article to meet their needs and automatically pass the message effectively.

So, how can you get to know your target audience?

Ask yourself questions about your readers

You need to ask yourself questions like: "who are my readers, and why are they reading the article? What do they expect from it?"

For instance, before I started writing this article, I asked myself these questions and came up with the answers below:

• Who are they? People that want to become technical writers
• Why are they reading this article? To learn the necessary skills needed to become a technical writer.
• What are they expecting? Everything they need to get started and eventually become technical writers: skills, tips, steps, advice and more!

Once, I figured out the answer to these questions, I was able to identify my audience, and it was beginners. This helped me tailor this article to benefit you.

Use the right terms

If you are writing an article for beginners, you should use terms that are easy to understand. You can also add concrete examples to help your readers understand you.

Give your article or documentation a helpful title/name

Name your articles in a descriptive and helpful way.

For example, don't name an article “A Deep Dive Into Understanding React” (when the content is about Rendering Elements in React), and risk disappointing readers who were expecting to learn everything about React after reading your article.

Instead, come up with a specific title that describes exactly what you wrote in your article like “How to Render Elements in React”.

Develop Your Technical Skills

As a technical writer, your goal will be to help readers understand highly complex processes or concepts in a straightforward way.

To achieve this, you'll need to be familiar with the topic you're writing about. That means if you want to write a technical article or documentation on React.js, you should be able to use React personally.

I'll end this section with this popular quote by Albert Einstein:

If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, you don't understand it yourself.

This quote also echoes the need to understand the technical details of your topic thoroughly before explaining it to someone else.

Be Able to Do Good Research

Yes! Technical writers don't know everything. So even though you might be familiar with a technology, sometimes you'll have to research a language or framework to understand it better before you start writing about it.

This will make sure that your text is accurate and communicates the necessary data most efficiently. You definitely don't want to be sharing false or confusing information.

How should you go about conducting research?

Researching involves asking questions on your preferred search engine, reaching out to someone who is knowledgeable about the subject matter (if you know any), or reading a book.

If you decide to follow the search engine route , ask questions targeted at what you want to discover. For instance, if you want to learn about how to use the GSAP ScrollTrigger Plugin in React, your question should follow this format "How can I use GSAP ScrollTrigger Plugin in React" .

If you decide to ask someone knowledgeable about the subject matter , always be polite and go straight to the point. Instead of saying " Hi " and waiting for the person to respond before asking your question, you can follow this format:

" Hi Rita, my name is Edidiong . I know you are very knowledgeable about using the GSAP ScrollTrigger Plugin. I have seen some of your CodePen demos over the years and they all looked really amazing. I'd love to know how can I manipulate the GSAP tween to make the animations trigger on the scroll? I'd totally understand if you can't respond because of your busy schedule but I will be glad if you do."

You might think that this was a pretty long message, but it covered the most important things: your name, your admiration of their work, what you need, and that you understand that you are not entitled to the person's time.

There's also an option of reading a book during the research phase. To do this you can go to a library or find a book online and read it.

Develop a Unique Voice

Have you ever wondered why people drop comments like "wow, I've finally understood this concept thanks to your article" or "I read other articles but I didn't understand this concept until I read yours, thank you!" on an article?

If you ask me, I'd say its because the author's unique voice spoke to them in a way others didn't. What does this mean? It means everyone is unique.

So, if two devs write about the same topic, some readers will understand one of their articles more than they understand the other. While others will understand the second article more than the understand the first. Why? Because they both have a unique voice that will work for some people and not for others.

So, how can you develop a unique voice?

By staying true to yourself, and letting your thoughts flow freely as a writer instead of copying other writers' content. Yes, get inspired by others. But don't forget who you are! The truth is, people learn in different ways and your content might be what one developer is hoping to read before they finally understand a concept.

Now that we've discussed the basic skills you need to become a good technical writer, I should point out that these skills can be learned over time. Please don't wait until you have all of them to start writing – go ahead and give it a try.

How to become a technical writer

Now, let's talk about how to become a technical writer. 💃🏽

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.  - Mark Twain

Yes, I had to start with Mark Twain's quote because it is something we all need to remember when we take up a new challenge. Deciding to become a technical writer is great, but putting in the necessary work to get started is even greater.

Let's talk about four important things you need to do to become a technical writer.

Take a course in technical writing

Technical writing is an in-demand skill, and employers want to hire the best writer for their team. Taking a course on technical writing is highly underrated, but it is essential because you will discover many tips that will help you become a better writer.

My technical writing skills significantly improved after I took a technical writing course from Google, and I highly recommend you take the course (or something similar) as well.

Read books and tech articles

Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river.  - Lisa See

Reading is essential because it will help you enrich your vocabulary, keep you abreast of current trends, discover what's going on in the writing world, and also helps keep the spirit of writing alive.

For this, I highly recommend reading tech-related articles from sites on freeCodeCamp , Hashnode , The Writing Cooperative , and others.

Start writing

You learn to write by writing, and by reading and thinking about how writers have created their characters and invented their stories. If you are not a reader, don't even think about being a writer.  - Jean M. Auel

Even if you take all the technical writing courses and read all the tech articles you can find, that won't make you a writer. You need to actually write to be a writer.

You might be wondering how you can actually start writing. Well, I'll tell you.

First, you need to think of a topic you want to write about. Then you should carry out the necessary research, write a draft of the article, and proofread the article (more than once). When you're ready, you can finally publish the article on your blog.

You don't need to build your blog from scratch because it takes a bunch of time and will distract you from your actual focus, which is writing. In my case, I created my blog with Hashnode because it is super fast, has a strong community, and allows you to map the blog to your domain.

After you've gotten comfortable with writing, you can apply to become a guest author on freeCodeCamp. If you get approved, you can publish articles on the platform and reach a wide audience.

Stay consistent

Writing consistently plays a huge role in helping you become a better writer. It unlocks your productivity, transforms your perspective, and builds your confidence.

You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.  - Octavia E. Butler

Just like every other skill, you get better at writing when you keep writing consistently. Aim to write at least one article every month, and you will be shocked at how your writing skills will improve if you keep doing it consistently.

If you need some accountability with your consistency as a technical writer, you can try the #2Articles1Week Writing Challenge .

What is the #2Articles1Week Challenge?

The goal of this challenge is to encourage technical writers to define their writing goals, understand writing standards, and most importantly become consistent at writing.

Participants are expected to publish a minimum of 2 articles per week for 4 weeks on their blog. If you do this, you will be able to create and publish 8 articles on your blog in just one month. Amazing, right? 😉

I've seen a lot of people talk about the benefits of participating in this challenge and I believe it will help you kick off writing consistently.

Contribute to Open Source projects

The documentation for Open Source projects is arguably just as important as the software itself. So if you're a technical writer, you can contribute in a significant way to a project because humans can't use what they don't understand.

Yes, you may be working on a project or for an open-source organization for free. But Open Source contributions can help you improve your writing skill, expand your network, and help you get recommendations and referrals from the maintainers.

It can also help increase your chances of getting accepted into the Google Season of Docs program.

What is Google Season of Docs and why is it important?

Season of Docs is an annual program organised by Google. Its goal is to bring technical writers and open source organisations together to foster collaboration and improvement of documentation in the Open Source space.

This initiative is extremely important because the documentation of an Open Source project provides an avenue for users to not only understand the project but also make contributions to it.

During the program, accepted technical writers spend between 3-5 months either building a new doc set, improving the structure of the existing docs, developing a much-needed tutorial, or improving the contribution processes and guides of an Open Source organisation.

The interesting thing about this program is that you can get paid between $3000 - $15000 to contribute to Open Source projects as a technical writer. You'll also stand a higher chance of joining the Technical Writing team at Google and possibly get retained by the Open Source organisation to keep working as a technical writer after the program is over.

6 Technical Writing Tips to Help You Start Writing

Here are some things to remember when you've completed your first draft your next article:

• Follow a style guide when writing. It helps you stay on track and follow the best writing principles.
• Make your paragraphs short so they support a single idea. Don't cram everything into one paragraph.
• Write short, clear, and precise sentences because simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
• After writing your first draft, read your content out loud while assuming you are the reader. This will help you spot things that can be rephrased.
• Edit your first draft only when you are focused.
• Seek feedback by consulting with experts in the field you are writing about because no technical writer knows every technical detail about every topic.

Technical writing continues to be a highly coveted skill in the professional workplace. Demand is expected to grow at least 10% from 2014 to 2024.

Writing, like many other crafts, takes years of practice to hone. The best part of writing is that you can see your improvement. You can look at your previous works and see how much better you've gotten over time if you work at it.

Also, technical writers have the great benefit of becoming lifelong learners because they need to be well-versed in whatever field or topic they are writing about to communicate the content clearly to readers. I strongly encourage you not just to start this journey but also to stay consistent with your writing as well.

That's all, folks! I hope this was helpful? If yes, follow me on Twitter to access more contents like this.

I am a software developer who is passionate about technical writing, contributing to open source organizations and building developer communities.

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Technical Writer

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What Is a Technical Writer? How to Become One, Salary, Skills.

 Technical writers create content like how-to guides and instruction manuals that accompany products, with the goal of providing good user experiences.  Here’s what to know about a technical writer’s salary, needed skills and how to become one.

What Is a Technical Writer?

A technical writer is someone who has writing and communication prowess as well as product expertise. They study target audiences to determine how best to communicate the technical aspects of a product and its features. Their work is not exclusively in written format. They may also need to help produce videos, illustrations and other visual communication.

What Do Technical Writers Do?

Technical writers craft concise communications that help both technical and non-technical users understand how to interact with products. They collaborate closely with people involved in product development and gather feedback from users to inform their process and figure out how to simplify complex concepts for written materials.

Technical Writer Responsibilities

• Writing and editing technical documentation.
• Producing videos, illustrations and other visual communications.
• Conforming to style guides.
• Conducting research and studying product samples. 
• Collaborating with other teams and departments as they produce products and features that need documentation.
• Learning about complex concepts and technical product aspects.
• Collecting feedback from users.

Technical Writer Role Within a Company

Technical writers are available as needed to departments throughout an organization. They often collaborate closely with engineers, product teams and others who are directly involved in developing the products and features they’ll be drafting communications for. A technical writer may be responsible for users outside of the company, as well as putting together documentation for internal purposes.

Importance of a Technical Writer

Technical writers essentially serve as translators who make sense of high-level information and convert those details into a format that’s understandable to intended users.

What Skills Are Needed to Be a Technical Writer?

Qualifications to be a technical writer.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to writing and communication.
• Understanding of types of technical documentation and how to choose the right one.
• Skilled researcher and editor.
• Capable of quickly learning complex topics and communicating them to others.
• At least one to two years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with common writing platforms and publishing software.
• Efficient at collaborating across teams and departments.

Technical Writer Prerequisites

• A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a relevant field or from a technical writing or communication program.
• Professional certification.

Technical Writer Hard Skills

• Some jobs may require knowledge of coding languages like HTML, CSS, Python and Javascript.
• Product research and audience analysis.
• Proofreading skills and knowledge of relevant style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Proficient at using writing and publishing tools.

Technical Writer Soft Skills

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Creativity and curiosity.
• Managing time to meet project deadlines.
• Organized and detail oriented.

Tools and Programs Technical Writers Use

• Writing software and platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
• Publishing software like Adobe RoboHelp and MadCap Flare.
• Tools like Jira and Confluence for workflow and project management.

How to Become a Technical Writer

Technical writer education and experience.

Common majors for technical writers include English, journalism, communications, information technology and computer science. Some schools even offer technical writing specific programs. Depending on what field they work in, some technical writers enter the industry with an associate’s degree or no degree at all. These individuals may have lots of relevant experience, a strong writing portfolio and professional courses and certifications under their belt to prove their proficiencies.

Technical Writer Certificates and Courses

• Technical Writing: Master Your Writing Career
• Technical Writing: How to Write Software Documentation
• Learn API Technical Writing: JSON and XML for Writers
• Learn API Technical Writing 2: REST for Writers
• Certified Professional Technical Communicator
• Medical Writer Certified credential

Technical Writer Career Path

Recent graduates may be able to find an entry-level technical writing role such as an internship or junior technical writer position, but newcomers should expect to work at least one to two years before breaking into technical writing. Some also choose to become a UX researcher or junior UX designer before moving into technical writing. This route allows them to learn about UX research, design techniques and other areas that can give them a necessary understanding of interaction design and how users relate to products. As they advance in their career, technical writers can add senior to their job title or step into the role of managing a team of technical writers at a larger company.

Technical Writer Salary and Job Outlook

As of 2021, there were 55,400 technical writers employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . That number is expected to grow by 6 percent for a total of 58,400 technical writers by 2031, with a projected 5,400 openings each year.

The full compensation package for a technical writer depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s experience and geographic location. See below for detailed information on the average technical salary.

Expand Your Technical Writer Career Opportunities

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How to Become a Technical Writer

Technical writers are known for breaking down complex concepts into simple and clear documentation. You should consider this profession if you can take complicated information and simplify it into easy-to-read materials for different audiences.

The US Bureau of Labor estimates that the market for technical writers will increase by seven percent over the next decade. In this guide, we will discuss how to become a technical writer, going over potential educational paths, required skills, salaries, and job outlook.

What Is a Technical Writer?

A technical writer is a professional who communicates complex information in a simple and easy-to-read way for a standard audience. These professionals find employment in a variety of industries that require technical documentation, working on instruction manuals, user guides, reference guides, journal articles, and white papers.

Most technical writers have backgrounds in academic disciplines such as computer science, engineering, information technology, and development. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics,   about 35 percent of technical writers work in professional, scientific, and technical industries, while 15 percent work in the manufacturing sector.

Technical Writer Job Description

Technical writers are wordsmiths that contribute to product manuals, guides, journal articles, websites, or any other content composed of technical information that needs to be communicated clearly and effectively.

Their roles vary within companies and industries. However, a technical writer’s main duties involve researching, outlining, writing, and editing new or existing technical documentation to meet organizational standards. They also maintain databases of reference materials that feature design specifications and research materials.

Technical Writer Salary and Job Outlook

The job outlook for technical writers is promising. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for these professionals is set to increase by seven percent over the next decade. BLS notes that this rate is faster than the national average for all occupations. This means that technical writers will have numerous employment opportunities in the future.

In addition, as a technical writer, your salary will be significantly higher than the national average. BLS estimates that the average salary for technical writers is $74,650 per year, while the national average stands at $56,310. As you can see, the job outlook for this profession is fairly promising, with these experts enjoying reasonably high salaries.

Top Reasons to Become a Technical Writer in 2021

There are many reasons why you should consider a career in technical writing. For instance, many start-ups and small and mid-sized engineering companies today are hiring more technical writers, meaning you’re likely to find employment. Besides, you can write from anywhere in the world. Here are other reasons to become a technical writer.

• Low barriers to entry. Entry-level technical writing positions usually require only a good command of the language combined with technical writing skills. It helps if you have a background in engineering or manufacturing, but this knowledge is not required.
• Opportunities to learn new things and gain new skills. Every day is a chance to learn as technical writing exposes you constantly to new concepts. Additionally, you get to interact with different tools in your scope of work.
• Positive job outlook and good salaries.  The job market for technical writers is projected to increase over the next few years. This means that you'll have numerous employment opportunities, most of which come with high salaries.

Technical Writer Job Requirements

Job requirements for technical writers vary according to the company, industry, and position level. However, most employers prefer hiring job applicants with proven experience, communication skills, and the ability to learn quickly. Here are other job requirements for technical writers.

• Experience as a technical writer or in a similar role. Most hiring managers prefer hiring professionals with at least a year’s experience, but this number will vary according to the company and the seniority of the position.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Journalism, or related discipline. Although this is not a major requirement, recruiters prefer candidates with a degree in these fields.
• Background in a technical field. Having previous experience in a technical field such as manufacturing or engineering is beneficial. However, this varies based on the company and the seniority of the position.

Types of Technical Writer Careers

Technical writers are needed in dozens of industries and operations. Technical writing is an expansive field that offers different careers for writers. Here are some of the most common technical writing jobs.

Medical and Scientific Writer

Writers here read academic research papers in these fields and transform them into more palatable and engaging content. Medical writing requires extensive experience and understanding of the subject matter as the content you produce will be consumed by those in professional and academic fields.

User Manual/Assistance Guide Writer

Most technical writers fall under this category. Writers that specialize in these technical documents break down products into simpler parts and explain how each part works. They also address possible queries that might arise while using the product. Barriers to entry here are fairly low.

Assembly Manual Writer

Assembly manual writers work in the mechanical maintenance department or a related unit that focuses on assembling and repairing products. These technical writers need to have the technical skills required to understand the disassembly and reassembly process of each product.

Technical Review and Report Writer

Technical reports are important to corporate firms and are often presented to stakeholders during meetings and business pitches. Because the job combines academic reporting and technical research-based writing, these professionals need to have extensive knowledge of the key concepts in the report.

Technical Writer Meaning: What Does a Technical Writer Do?

A technical writer is a professional who simplifies complex information into simple and easy-to-digest documents for a wide variety of audiences. They work on documents such as guides, instruction manuals, academic journals, operating procedures, and other technical documents. Here are more job duties, roles, and responsibilities of technical writers.

These professionals gather topic-related information from different sources including journals, websites, academic books, and literature dissertations. They study these documents to better understand the topic at hand.

Break Down Complex Concepts

A technical writer’s main duty involves transforming complex information into a more palatable form that the target audience can understand. The end goal is to produce technical documents that are accessible by the standard reader.

Maintain a Database or Glossary of Technical Information

Maintaining records is an essential part of this job so that this information can be used for future reference. Most technical documents include a glossary at the end so that the reader can quickly find out the meaning of any term.

Essential Technical Writer Skills

As their names suggest, these professionals need to have specific technical skills to ensure they perform as required. Here are some of the most essential skills that a technical writer should have.

Effective Research Skills

Research is paramount as a technical writer. The best technical writers are those that can collect the most useful information in the shortest time possible. As a technical writer, your research resources can include journals, academic books, literature dissertations, and even websites.

Excellent Communication

Communication skills are essential as a technical writer. During the research phase of any project, you may have to interact with different stakeholders, including project managers, engineers, or clients. Understanding their points of view, feedback, or specifications is critical to producing the best possible output.

Detail-oriented Writing

This is an essential skill for these professionals. To be a professional technical writer, you must have total command of your style of writing. In addition, your writing must be clear, accurate, to the point, and free of grammatical and spelling errors.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Technical Writer?

It can take anywhere from six months to four years to become a technical writer. The amount of time it takes depends on your education or career path. It will take you about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, while it can take six months if you choose to enroll in a certificate program. Most employers prefer hiring technical writers with a bachelor’s degree.

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Become a Technical Writer?

Yes, a coding bootcamp can help you become a technical writer. Most technical writers work in scientific, manufacturing, and technical industries. Enrolling in a top coding bootcamp can equip you with the skills necessary to launch a successful career in such fields. However, it would be best if you worked on your writing and communication skills as well.

Can I Become a Technical Writer from Home?

Yes, you can become a technical writer from home and work remotely. Companies, especially those in the manufacturing, scientific, and medical industries, are constantly looking for remote technical writers. To work as a freelance writer for any of these companies, all you need is experience in writing, a background in a technical field, and a computer with an Internet connection.

How to Become a Technical Writer: A Step-by-Step Guide

To become a technical writer, you must learn concepts involved with your area of interest. Additionally, you must work on your communication and writing skills. Here is a step-by-step guide that you should follow to help you land a lucrative technical writing job.

Step 1: Further Your Education

Technical writing requires extensive knowledge. For this reason, you should consider enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program related to your area of interest. If this is not an option, consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp, a certification program, or an online course. You should also consider an online writing course to help you develop your writing skills.

Step 2: Read Materials from Industry Leaders

Reading will help you strengthen your command of the language, and poring over materials from leading companies and industry influencers will expand your technical vocabulary and help you carry out your job with ease.

Step 3: Start Writing

Explore some of the many writing opportunities available online. Consider freelancing, whether that is selling your services online on platforms like Upwork or Contena or producing content for companies in industries that interest you. This exposure will help you expand your horizons and job outlook and become a full-time technical writer. You will also learn how to use technical writing software in the process.

Best Schools and Education for a Technical Writer Career

You have several options when it comes to choosing schools and training programs that lead to successful technical writing careers. Below are some of the best education programs and training options that will put you on the path to success.

Technical Writer Bootcamps

Coding bootcamps feature immersive and fast-paced courses designed to equip you with skills in a short period, usually 12 to 48 weeks. Bootcamps are worth it because they are cheaper and more career-oriented compared to traditional university programs. UC Berkeley Bootcamp offers courses in technical writing.

Vocational School

Vocational schools offer instructional programs that focus on the skills necessary to work in a specific job. Many schools offer online programs that will develop your technical writing skills through on-the-job training. This schooling option is considerably cheaper than pursuing a college degree.

Community College

Community colleges offer two-year associate degree programs that help students launch their careers. You can also use the credits gained from a community college toward a bachelor’s degree offered at a university.

Many community colleges across the US offer different technical writing programs which feature online learning options. They include Red Rocks Community College and North Virginia Community College.

Technical Writer Degrees

It may be difficult to find universities that offer bachelor’s degree programs focusing on technical writing. Instead, consider pursuing a degree in a technical field that interests you and that you would like to write about. This could be anything from engineering and medicine to science.

You can also consider degrees in communication, creative writing, English, or journalism. As you complete your bachelor’s program, you should enroll in a short technical writing course to prepare you for technical writing jobs.

The Most Important Technical Writer Certificates

Certifications are an excellent way of proving your skills in a specific profession. Enrolling in a certificate program is a great way to build your skills in technical writing. Consider the following top technical writing certificates.

Technical Writing

With over 38,000 enrolled students to date, this course from MIPT , which you can find on Coursera, is one you should consider. You will gain the necessary skills to communicate information to different audiences. Additionally, you will learn how to prepare different technical reports including lab, research, design, and feasibility reports.

Technical Writing: Master Your Writing Career

This course on Udemy will help you become a successful and reliable technical writer. The course is delivered by a technical writer with more than 20 years of experience in the business. You will improve your grammar and writing techniques to better communicate with different audiences.

Certified Professional Technical Communicator

The Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) certification is awarded by the Society for Technical Communications (STC) to professional technical writers and editors. This certification is proof of your communication skills.

How to Prepare for Your Technical Writer Job Interview

One of the best ways to get ready for a job interview is by preparing beforehand using related practice questions. Familiarizing yourself with possible interview questions is a great way to get you relaxed and confident. Here are some questions that should help you get ready for your technical writer job interview.

Technical Writer Job Interview Practice Questions

• Which tools do you use on a regular basis? Are you familiar with WordPress, Notepad++, Adobe FrameMaker, or Microsoft Word?
• Explain the differences between a blog, white paper, and journal.
• What is the difference between casual and professional tones in writing?
• Walk us through your technical writing process from research stages to publishing or submission.

Should I Become a Technical Writer in 2021?

Yes, you should become a technical writer, especially if you enjoy writing. The manufacturing, tech, engineering, and medical industries, among many others, are expanding and in the process employ these professionals to write the documentation for their products. This means that as a technical writer, you’ll enjoy a good job outlook. In addition, these professionals earn reasonably high salaries.

Explore other careers

• Interaction Designer
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Web Designer
• Social Media Manager
• Account Manager
• Data Analyst
• Wordpress Developer
• Network Architect
• Cytotechnologist
• Anesthesiologist
• Radiologic Technologist
• Hadoop Developer
• Optometrist
• Virtual Assistant
• Emergency Medical Technicians
• Game Developer
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• AWS Developer
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How to Become A Technical Writer: Skills, Jobs & Portfolios

Coding and engineering skills are valuable on the job market, that’s for sure. But knowing the technology and being able to write about it clearly is a rare combination. Which makes it invaluable. That’s exactly what technical writers bring to the table —and they’re rewarded for it handsomely.

It’s not necessarily the easiest field to jump into, but if you’re interested in trying, we’ve got you covered. Today we’ll tell you all you need to know about how to become a technical writer: what skills, education, and experience you’ll need & how you can create a technical writing portfolio from scratch.

What is technical writing?

First things first, let’s review what technical writing is and how it differs from other forms of writing, such as copywriting or content writing.

To put it very simply, technical writing is the art of translating complex technical subjects into easy-to-understand pieces of writing. You can imagine the technical writer and the text they create as mediators. They’re mediators between the experts and the science/technology —and others that need to use and understand it without having the background knowledge and expertise.

What makes becoming a technical writer not so easy is that they need to have at least some level of expertise. Without that, they wouldn’t be able to understand the jargon and logic of the materials, and information they have to process for their projects.

But don’t worry, if you’re not a top expert in a complex field, that doesn’t mean you can’t become a technical writer. Having a basic understanding, an affinity and a strong interest is good enough to start. Why?

Because as a technical writer, you’ll have plenty of resources and information to start with. You won’t only have written materials to study, but you’ll be able to… well, expected to talk to and interview the true experts to get all the details right.

They’ll also be there to review the text when you’re done to make sure everything is correct. So as long as you have a basic understanding, you’re up for learning lots, and are interested in the field you decided to work in, you’ll most probably be good to go.

Job prospects and requirements for becoming a technical writer

As the nature of writing is different from other niches, so is the career path and the usual requirements. In this section, we’ll talk about how much you can earn in this field and what the usual requirements are for technical writer jobs.

Is technical writing a good career? How much do technical writers earn?

A lot of people ask if becoming a technical writer is a good choice, if it’s a good career. As we all have different priorities and preferences when it comes to ideal jobs and good careers, the answer is: it depends.

But one of the objective factors by which people often judge certain jobs and fields is the earning potential. How much does a technical writer earn? We looked up the stats so we can give you some actual numbers from all over the world.

• In the US, the median technical writer salary is $74,650 based on the report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• In the UK, technical writers earn £55,000 according to Reed.co.uk
• For Australia, we found somewhat different numbers from different sources, but we’d say the median technical writer salary is around $80,000-110,000 (based on the stats published by talent.com and Payscale )

Technical writer job requirements (based on job descriptions)

In preparation for this article, we analyzed dozens of job posts to get a better idea of what companies expect from their future technical writer colleagues. We were especially interested in their requirements for education and experience, as questions like “How many years of education do I need to become a technical writer?” or “Can I become a technical writer with no experience?” seem to be really common.

Education requirements for technical writers

Let’s start with education. Out of all the job posts we went through, 40% didn’t have any degree requirements , while the other 60% all asked for a Bachelor’s degree .

But what kind of Bachelor’s degree do I need to get hired as a technical writer, you might ask. And that’s the interesting part.

• 30% of those job posts asked for a degree in English, communication, writing, marketing, or something similar along those lines
• 30% of the posts asked for a degree in a science field or IT, usually related to their company’s industry
• 20% of the job posts wrote a Bachelor’s degree in either of the fields/categories above would do
• 20% didn’t specify at all, just simply marked the level of education.

Interestingly, that shows that there are usually two ways for how one gets into technical writing.

Some people study science and technology —and realize they have an affinity for writing, or that they’re exceptionally good at explaining the complex concepts they work with. Others base their career on the arts of communication and writing. And with interest in a specific technical field and a little bit of expertise, they combine the two to become technical writers.

Work experience requirements for technical writer positions

The experience companies expect based on their job postings varies much more than the education. We found that:

• Sometimes presenting a convincing portfolio is enough —as long as you can convince them of your skills, lots of companies don’t care about the number of years you’ve worked as a technical writer
• Oftentimes they ask for experience with certain things (software, programming language, industry), not necessarily experience in a certain position. This proves yet again that skills and expertise (and their convincing presentation) can easily substitute the required years.
• Asking for 3-5 years of experience was the most common we’ve seen, but for senior positions, the requirement was almost always 5+ years. So if you have less than 3 years of experience, you’ll have to either put together a killer portfolio or apply for junior positions.

Where to find technical writer jobs

The answer to that question depends on whether you’re looking for clients as a freelance technical writer, or you want to find a spot as an in-house employee.

For freelance technical writers, the most important step in getting new gigs is having a convincing and professional website and portfolio. Here people can find you by themselves through search, but they can also be directed via referrals, social media, or freelance job sites. It’s also a great idea to do some networking in Facebook groups and LinkedIn, where you can find new clients and get to know other writers in the field.

For in-house positions, you’ll just have to search “technical writer” on any of the big job posting sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor. Technical writers are very much in demand these days, so it won’t be difficult to find a lot of options to choose from.

Qualifications to become a technical writer: skills & education

The number of years of education and experience is one thing to check off the list —but you won’t get anywhere without heaving and presenting the skills companies are looking for. Let’s quickly review what these skills are and where you could gain some through technical writing courses and certifications online.

The skills you’ll need to become a technical writer

Similarly to education, the skills they expect new technical writer colleagues to have can be split into two categories: communication and research-related, and technical/IT skills.

Based on the job posts we analyzed, here are some of the most common skills required for technical writer jobs:

• Communication , especially communication with specialists, developers, and engineers.
• Doing interviews , both internally within the company, and externally with clients
• Research and analysis for processing the starting material and getting a deep understanding of the topic
• Attention to detail , as mistakes in the finished product can have very serious consequences
• Grammar and editing to guarantee a flawless text in the end, as technical writers usually don’t get editors to work with
• Design and formatting , often including experience with Adobe Creative Suite, as oftentimes it’s not just the writing but the whole of the presentation that also falls on the technical writer
• Experience with agile systems , as the developers/engineers the technical writer works with often operate in agile environments
• Teamwork , to be able to smoothly and efficiently work with experts, project managers, engineers, designers, and more
• Coding and other IT-related skills such as knowing HTML, Markdown, or Git

Other skills we saw pop up a few times were: experience with content management systems (CMS), the ability to process complex datasheets, and following specific style guides.

Education: technical writing courses & certifications

Although having technical writing certifications is not something that’s often mentioned in job posts, it’d definitely be an advantage. Especially if you’re new to the field and would like to become a technical writer now, completing a specialized course would be a great place to start.

It’ll teach you specific skills you’ll need, help you get some pieces for a technical writing portfolio, and give you a technical writing-specific certificate you can add to your CV and LinkedIn profile.

To help you get started, we collected some courses you can take online to get certified from the comfort of your own home.

The 7 best online technical writing courses and certifications

1. Certificate in Professional Technical Communication – University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

This online certificate program by the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire Continuing Education will not only help you improve your writing style and teach you all you need to know about reports, proposals, manuals, and more… But will also guide you in creating “a well-versed portfolio of professional documents”, improving your chances of getting hired.

2. Professional Certificate of Competency in Specification and Technical Writing – Engineering Institute of Technology (AU)

This three-month online course was designed primarily for engineers, who’d like to improve their research skills and learn how to prepare and write technical documents. It takes you through the whole research, preparation, and writing process step-by-step, covering everything from editing, through readability, to structure, illustrations, and more.

3. Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) Foundation – Society for Technical Communication

STC, which gathers writers, editors, managers, and engineers to a professional association, is well-known in the technical writing community, and their certifications are widely accepted. This course covers the foundations of technical communication, leading you through 9 key areas with an exam at the end.

4. One Week Technical Writer Certification – Technical Writer HQ

With over 50 online lessons, the one-week certification course of Technical Writer HQ will teach you the fundamentals and lead you through the whole process of technical writing. They cover things like setting scope, structuring sentences, using tools, managing knowledge bases, and everything in between.

5. Technical Writing – Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Coursera

This technical writer course from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology takes about 20 hours to complete and will teach you how to write multiple different types of technical documents. They also touch on research, structure, and style of writing.

As with all courses on Coursera, you can enroll for free if you’re just in it for the skills and knowledge —or you can pay the full price to get a certificate at the end.

6. Technical Writing: Documentation on Software Projects – Pluralsight

The Pluralsight technical writing course by software developer and technical trainer Amber Israelsen takes about 4 hours to complete and will teach you all you need to know about software project documentation. Similar to the Engineering Institute of Technology course, this was also designed for developers and engineers, to teach them how to write about their work in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

7. Technical Writing: Master Your Writing Career – Udemy

Udemy hosts multiple technical writing courses, but this is one of the most popular ones with almost 3,500 students. It focuses on writing quickly, effectively, and accurately, and introduces a writing system you can adapt if you’d like. You can learn how to create a realistic writing schedule, do research, write to an audience, and more —in just 5.5 hours.

How to get experience to get hired as a technical writer

As you could see from our analysis at the beginning, it’s not easy to get a technical writer job with no experience. But how do you get experience if nobody gives you a chance?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who struggles with that. We’re here to give you tips on how you can get some experience to help you find a job and officially become a technical writer.

1. Get coursework done and build a portfolio

As we mentioned already, a lot of times the experience companies need is not necessarily an X number of years officially spent in a technical writer position. But rather it’s having written pieces that prove your skills and knowledge, presented in a writing portfolio .

Completing a technical writing course and all the assignments and coursework is a great way to do that. It will not only sharpen your skills but will give you pieces reviewed by your instructors that you know are good enough to represent your work.

2. Contribute to open-source projects

One way of getting experience that we specifically recommend to technical writers is contributing to open-source projects as a writer. There are some really amazing open source initiatives out there —but what most people don’t think about is that they also need writers. Because no matter how amazing a piece of software is, without the proper documentation, working on it and using it becomes much more difficult.

So they’re usually looking for volunteers to join the project and create all the needed documentation. It’s good for the project and great for the writer, as it means credible, real-life technical writing experience, and projects for your portfolio.

3. Offer to write for nonprofits and local businesses

Another way is reaching out to nonprofits or local businesses, asking if they need any help with their documentation. Depending on your current skills and ability to market yourself from day one, these might be either free or paid jobs. People’s opinions differ on whether you should ever work for free —but we recommend considering it at the very beginning to start filling your portfolio.

4. Rewrite existing technical documentation

As copywriters sometimes rewrite ads for real brands, technical writer candidates can rewrite existing technical documentation. Just take a real piece of material you found and think needs improving, and improve and rewrite it.

It’d be a good idea to also write up a little case study about the process for your portfolio, detailing what the problems were with the original script, and how your changes made it better.

If you’re confident in your work, you can also try to reach out to the company to offer your revised document for them to use. Who knows? They might like it and even give you another assignment. But if not, you can still use it for your portfolio.

How to present technical writing projects & create a technical writing portfolio

We’ve mentioned your technical writing portfolio and getting pieces for it so many times, it’s only fair if we get into how to actually create one. To make it as simple and easy-to-digest as possible, we’ll do so by answering the most common questions that arise about technical writing portfolios.

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Do I need a portfolio to become a technical writer?

The answer is: most probably, yes.

If you’re an established technical writer, with a long career at well-known companies, and get referred to somewhere, you might be able to go without one. But even then, having a portfolio would give you a boost against all the other candidates.

But especially if you’re towards the beginning of your technical writer career, having a portfolio is an absolute must. It serves to showcase your skills and prove that no matter your work history, you’re a candidate that’s worth hiring.

What’s the best format for a technical writing portfolio?

We recommend creating a writing portfolio website for this purpose. It’s the most professional way to create a clear and easy-to-navigate space for all your writing samples. All that, while not making anybody feel overwhelmed looking at a single document that’s dozens of pages long.

The other upside is that you can edit and update it anytime —unlike PDFs or PPTs, where once you sent the file, there’s no going back.

And there’s just something so empowering about telling someone to just go to yourname.com to check out your samples, right?

What is the best tool to create a technical writing portfolio website?

While there are many generic website builders out there, your best bet is to choose one that was specifically designed for writers like you. Copyfolio is exactly that, helping writers all around the world to create stunning portfolio websites quickly and easily.

With Copyfolio all it takes is choosing a template and filling the prepared site with your own content. You can choose your color palette and font presets, add your images into mockups (laptops, smartphones, magazines, etc.) with just one click, and buy your own domain right there within the app.

It has all you need to build a good-looking, responsive website, even if you’ve never done this before.

What are the must-haves of a technical writer portfolio?

There are a few things your portfolio should have if you want it to be complete and convincing. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the purpose of the portfolio is to showcase your writing skills and get you hired.

So just like you do so when writing a technical document, you have to consciously write for an audience here too. No matter if it’s a project or your about page, it should be consistent, keeping the goal in mind.

As for the pages and content, here’s what you’ll need:

• A home page with a tagline summarizing who you are and what you do, ideally alongside a photo of yourself
• An about page with more information about yourself and your background (you can include your resume here if you’d like)
• A contact page with ways to reach out to you: your email address, phone number, perhaps your LinkedIn profile as well
• And of course, your writing projects, ideally each on its separate page, in the forms of case studies

How should I present my technical writing projects in my portfolio?

When it comes to presenting technical writing projects, writing case studies is key. As they can be pretty complex and long in nature, reading through a case study instead of the actual finished piece can save lots of time for the reader. And give them better insights too.

They should still get to read a sample of it to see your writing in action, but the finished result won’t tell them a lot of background information they’d actually like to know.

As we discussed above, writing is just one element of a technical writer’s job. There’s a lot of research and analysis that goes into each project, often you’ll do interviews to get answers, you’ll coordinate with multiple people, and you might be the one designing the document itself. It’s a lot, and just seeing the document won’t reveal any of that.

So take the chance and create a separate case study page for each project, where you talk about all that. Tell the readers how you used your skills each step of the way, and only then show them a glimpse of the writing itself. You can do that with a screenshot of a page and/or a link where they can access it fully if they want.

How many projects should I have in my portfolio?

When choosing your projects, the most important rule is to think about the person reviewing your portfolio. It goes without saying that you should only add your very best pieces, but how many of them you should add is not necessarily that straightforward.

From our research and interviews, we found that hiring managers take an average of 5-10 minutes to look through each candidate’s materials. You need to make sure that they’ll be able to go through your most important pieces within that time frame.

It could be just 2-3 longer projects or 5-6 easy-to-overview ones. If you’re not sure how long it’d take to read all your materials, ask a friend or colleague to help you out. Having them read through it will help you get a better idea of what can still be included, and what pieces need to be cut.

Take the first step to become a technical writer, create your portfolio with Copyfolio

After all you’ve read, does this career resonate with you? Do you have the skills and passion to jump right in? Take the very first step and create your technical writing portfolio with Copyfolio. It’s okay if you don’t have a ton of samples yet, you can always add more later!

It takes only two minutes to set up your website, then all you have to do is filling it with content. Take Copyfolio for a spin, get started for free today!

Dorka Kardos-Latif

Digital marketer & portfolio expert, the face behind all content on Copyfolio 👋

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Education Requirements for Technical Writers

Getting started as a technical writer.

• What is a Technical Writer
• How to Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Technical Writer Resume Examples
• Technical Writer Cover Letter Examples

Start Your Technical Writer Career with Teal

Join our community of 150,000+ members and get tailored career guidance from us at every step

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Technical Writer?

Educational backgrounds of technical writers, a glimpse into the educational fabric of technical writers, emerging patterns and educational dynamics, essential education for aspiring technical writers: what's crucial.

• Strong Writing and Editing Skills: Often developed through degrees in English, Communications, or Journalism.
• Technical Competence: Gained either through formal education in technical fields or through hands-on experience in technical roles.
• Understanding of User Experience: Can be cultivated through studies in psychology, design, or through practical involvement in user-centered projects.

Charting a Course in Technical Writing: Education and Experience

• Practical Application: Engaging in writing projects, internships, or technical roles to apply and expand their skills.
• Lifelong Learning: Staying current with industry standards and tools through continued education, workshops, and certifications like the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC).
• Community Engagement: Participating in professional organizations such as the Society for Technical Communication (STC) to network and learn from peers.

The Bottom Line: Varied Educational Paths, Common Objective

Most common degrees for technical writers, english or communications, technical communication, science or engineering, popular majors for technical writers, computer science, engineering, science and health fields, popular minors for technical writers, information technology, graphic communication, professional writing, business administration, communication studies, why pursue a degree for a technical writer career, networking and professional development in technical writing, facilitating career transition and advancement, what can you do with a degree in technical writing, degree alternatives for a technical writer, professional certifications, technical writing workshops and seminars, online courses and moocs, industry networking and mentorship, self-directed learning and practice, navigating a technical writer career without a degree, develop a strong writing portfolio, gain technical proficiency, learn industry-standard tools, take advantage of online courses and certifications, build your network, contribute to open source and community projects, stay informed about your industry, emphasize transferable skills, seek feedback and improve continuously, education faqs for technical writer, do you need to go to college to become a technical writer, is it worth it to get a degree for a technical writer role, how important is continuous learning for a technical writer.

Technical Writer Certifications

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Home › Career › What Does a Technical Writer Do? › How to Become a Technical Writer without Experience

How to Become a Technical Writer without Experience

Become a Certified Technical Writer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

If you enjoy writing about technical subjects and have a knack for condensing complex information, a career in technical writing might be for you. As a growing field, the demand for technical writers is at an all-time high. If you’re interested in this career path and would like to know how to become a technical writer, keep reading.

In this guide, we’ll provide a crash course on becoming a great technical writer, followed by a brief job description of a technical writer (roles and responsibilities).

Furthermore, we’ll also lay down a roadmap that anyone can take to kick-start their career in technical writing. If you’re looking to learn via video, watch below.

Let’s get started with the steps to becoming a technical writer.

The road to becoming a technical writer isn’t as simple as merely completing a bachelor’s degree and seeking employment.

There are a few prerequisites that you must meet, skills you must acquire , and additional steps that you need to take along the way to build a successful career for yourself.

If you’re an aspiring technical writer, here’s a complete roadmap that will help you kick-start your dream career:

1. Invest in the Right Education and Training

First and foremost, you have to build a solid foundation for your career. This entails creating a solid academic background.

If it’s still not too late, consider getting a college degree in a technical field such as computer science, engineering, or physics. 

As a technical writer, if you’re not a subject matter expert, the chances are that the opinions you share independently won’t be considered credible.

Specializing in communication fields will also be worth it, but make sure you know about the technical side of the job.

Investing in the aforementioned formal education programs will certainly give you a massive competitive edge. However, that alone won’t guarantee success. 

For that reason, in addition to acquiring a college degree, you must also invest in different technical writing courses. 

These courses will provide you with the knowledge you need to enter this field. Furthermore, they’ll help strengthen your professional profile and grab the attention of recruiters.

2. Work on Developing the Right Skillset

Skilled technical writers are in high demand. Specific courses and certifications will help you develop some of the required skills, but you’ll need to make some extra efforts for the rest.

Basic writing skills are prerequisites. But for recruiters, being just a decent writer isn’t good enough.

On top of written communication skills, a great technical writer should also have good command over verbal/spoken communication skills due to the day-to-day collaborations with others.

Furthermore, decent critical thinking, interpersonal, and good management skills are essential for the job.

In addition to the soft skills discussed above, there are a few in-demand technical skills that can go a long way in setting yourself up for success.

First and foremost, proficiency in popular software programs (such as Microsoft Office), work management tools (like Asana), and content management systems (such as WordPress) is required.

Web design and experience with primary programming languages like HTML, Javascript, and CSS aren’t mandatory but can help you stand out from your peers.

3. Start Consuming Technical Content

Contrary to popular belief, a writer doesn’t get better by just writing more. 

To polish your writing skills, reading is critical.

For that reason, you should start consuming any form of relevant technical content to your desired industry that you can get your hands on.

Look up real examples of technical writing on the internet. If you’re drawn towards specific technical content (such as user manuals, white papers, business plans, and more), search for their examples.

Looking at the actual content and taking inspiration from the experts will help you better understand the job.

4. Start Writing (Even if it Doesn’t Pay)

As you gain the relevant credentials, develop skillsets, and garner inspiration, you need to start applying everything.

You may apply for an internship to gain some work experience if you’re starting.

However, you don’t necessarily have to gain practical hands-on experience in a professional setting. You should also start developing different content assets as a hobby to polish your skills, show them to a willing expert, and get feedback. Or better yet, look up tech founders on LinkedIn and volunteer to develop content for them (they might even hire you on a full-time basis if they like your work).

You can also select the best content and build an online portfolio to show your skills to potential recruiters.

5. Apply for Open Technical Writing Jobs

All that’s left to do is apply for technical writing gigs.

Since the job market for technical writers is so competitive, newcomers don’t fare well as freelance writers . 

Unless you’re lucky to find an independent project, the best way would be to apply for technical writer jobs.

From new tech startups to well-known giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple advertise new jobs now and then. 

Put together a solid technical writer resume , set up solid profiles on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor platforms, and set up alerts for any open positions that are remote or near you.

Prerequisites to Become a Technical Writer

Before becoming a technical writer, it’s essential to understand what the technical writer’s job entails .

Technical writers are subject matter experts who create content centered on their areas of expertise. 

In simple words, tech writers are content development professionals who specialize in distilling complex information into easy-to-understand content.

Depending on the company, a technical writer can also be a resident engineer, scientist, or technician, with “technical content development” being one part of their job description. The job entails a lot more than simply writing the content. 

Like every other position, the exact job description will vary from employer to employer. However, here are a few things that every technical writer is expected to do, regardless of their area of expertise, industry, and experience:

1. Conduct Extensive Research

The primary responsibility of any technical writer is to conduct extensive research.

The hallmark of good technical writing is a solid foundation. A tech writer may be a subject matter expert, but from time to time, they are expected to gather data from various sources to ensure whatever information they share is 100% accurate and up-to-date.

After all, the content they produce can directly impact the business’s bottom line. For instance, a technical mistake in a machine’s preventive maintenance checklist can disrupt operations, cause delays, and even threaten the safety of the concerned personnel. 

That’s just a small glimpse of the implications of the job. For that reason, organizations demand technical writers with decent research skills.

2. Create Personas

Gathering ample data and validating information is just one part of a solid technical content foundation. The other is having a deep understanding of the audience.

For that reason, one of the primary responsibilities of a technical writer in most organizations is to create and manage audience personas.

This helps the writer determine the appropriate tone, selection of words, and depth when developing the content.

Of course, creating/managing personas isn’t an everyday task for a technical writer, but it is an integral part of the job.

3. Perform Editorial Work

Technical writers spend most of their time engaged in editorial work.

This involves managing calendars, creating drafts, and going through multiple rounds of edits to finalize the content.

4. Collaborate with Other Team Members

In addition to creating personas, conducting research, and doing all the editorial work, a technical writer’s job also entails consistently collaborating with different team members.

This level of communication depends on the type of technical content being developed by the organization.

Regardless, here’s a list of the people in an organization a technical writer may need to cooperate with:

• Designers – design is a major part of technical content. The layout of the documents, illustrations, charts, etc. can complete a document. Therefore, writers have to work closely with the designers to ensure that everything fits perfectly. 
• Web Developers – if the technical content is supposed to be shared as a landing page, the writers naturally have to work with the developers. 
• Technical Managers – as mentioned earlier, technical writers are under immense pressure to validate their content. They consult with the technical managers/engineers/specialists who are well-versed in the concept.

A great technical writer needs to be proactive to ensure consistent and timely communication with the concerned people. 

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a great technical writer, check out our Technical Writing Certification Course.

5. Gather Feedback for Improved Work

A technical writer’s job is never really finished.

Even after crafting and publishing the technical content, they need to assess how it performs.

This entails collecting feedback from the audience it was meant for. 

For an internal audience – such as a team of technicians or engineers – collecting said feedback is easy. You can simply ask them if it accomplished its goal(s).

However, collecting said feedback isn’t always easy if the content is meant for an external audience – say, a panel of investors. Unless you directly ask the people reading it for feedback, it’s not so simple to attribute the success of the actual project/product to the writing. 

In any case, a good technical writer has to figure out a way to collect that feedback, analyze it, and use it to improve their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most asked questions about becoming a technical writer:

What is technical writing?

Technical writing (also known as tech writing) refers to creating content on a technical subject for a defined audience, including, but not limited to, engineers, scientists, business professionals, technicians, and maintenance workers. 

The ultimate goal is to convey technical information through unambiguous content to either an internal or external audience. The actual content can take many shapes and forms, including instruction manuals/user manuals/user guides, reports, white papers, case studies, etc.

Technical writing is a form of technical communication, which, according to the Society for Technical Communication (STC), refers to any form of communication that:

• Explains a technical concept
• Is meant for a defined audience
• Leverages some form of technology

Unlike other types of writing – such as book writing, blog writing, social media content development, etc. – technical writing isn’t meant for entertainment or leisure. 

It always seeks to accomplish an objective with tangible results. Depending on your area of expertise, that objective could be to:

• Guide a team of technicians through a complex maintenance procedure
• Provide assembly instructions for a technical product (like an industrial machine)
• Explain how to use enterprise software to a team of business professionals
• Share financial forecast with the senior management of an organization
• Discuss the philosophy or share your solution for a problem with potential customers/investors

There can be several other objectives of a technical piece of content. 

The exact set of rules, goals and other nuances boils down to the organization/person developing the content.

What are the different types of technical writing?

Historically, technical writing was only required by STEM fields, such as engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, information technology, etc.

Today, it’s also needed in various business fields, especially finance and accounting. This means that there are multiple types of technical writing .

Apart from the basic criteria of technical communication, there are no strict universal rules when it comes to producing technical documentation. 

As discussed earlier, it all depends on the people it’s meant for (their ability to comprehend technical information and their qualifications) and the people/organization developing it.

However, every organization has a style guide in place to ensure consistency across all the technical documents it produces.

Is technical writing a good career?

Now that you’ve learned how to become a technical writer, is a technical writing career even worth pursuing?

The answer: It depends.

Like every other career path, success isn’t guaranteed. Some writers are more successful than others. At the end of the day, it all boils down to how committed you are, your current skillsets, and where you’re situated.

Here’s how much they earn according to different platforms:

• Glassdoor – according to Glassdoor, the average salary of a technical writer in the US is $57,282 , with the highest salary capping at $79,000. These figures are based on 6,164 salary reports.  
• Indeed – as per the 1,800 salary reports on Indeed, technical writers earn $57,573 on average, which is almost the same as Glassdoor’s figure. Furthermore, the platform reports that tech writers earn an additional $2,000 per year as cash bonuses. 
• PayScale – PayScale reports that technical writers earn $60,501 per year on average, with salaries ranging from $42,000 to $87,000.

If you’re genuinely passionate about this form of writing and are willing to put in the efforts, you’ll reap the competitive rewards this field has to offer.

But if it’s just one of your skillsets, and it’s not something that you particularly enjoy doing, you should consider keeping it as a side career and not pursuing it as a full-time job.

Is it hard to become a technical writer?

It is hard to become one if you don’t have the needed coursework or certification. For example, someone who considers themselves an excellent writer but has no knowledge of grammar may find that they cannot use their skills effectively as a technical writer because they lack this knowledge.

How do I become a technical writer with no experience?

To become a technical writer with no experience, you need to take courses and certifications to learn writing skills. Courses may be in-person or online, but they are necessary for someone who wants to build their experience.

After taking these courses, you must find a mentor to help guide what type of technical writer job would suit your goals.

If you are new to technical writing and are looking to break in, we recommend taking our Technical Writing Certification Course , where you will learn the fundamentals of being a technical writer, how to dominate technical writer interviews, and how to stand out as a technical writing candidate.

We offer a wide variety of programs and courses built on adaptive curriculum and led by leading industry experts.

• Work on projects in a collaborative setting
• Take advantage of our flexible plans and community
• Get access to experts, templates, and exclusive events

Become a Certified Technical Writer. Professionals finish the training with a full understanding of how to guide technical writer projects using documentation foundations, how to lead writing teams, and more.

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IT CAREER GUIDES

Technical Writer Career 

What is a technical writer.

Sometimes referred to as technical communicators, technical writers create a bridge between highly technical information and accessibility for individuals. They tailor their writing to fit a specific audience and understand the  nuances between job titles  to create better content for the right people. 

No matter the industry, these writers are highly skilled and can understand complicated information. In every project, they must understand who their audience is and the best ways to communicate information. Many projects combine text and media to better interact with consumers.

If you’re interested in technical writing, you will need a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or a degree in a technical field such as IT, computer science, healthcare, or engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What Does a Technical Writer Do?

Technical writers have a wide range of job responsibilities that may differ depending on the industry, seniority, and area in which the writer works. Some general day-to-day responsibilities include: 

• Writing how-to guides  based on products and services.
• Interview product developers  to create diagrams of the product design. 
• Write supporting content  for services and products.
• Create and use animations, graphics, and photographs  to illustrate content. 
• Receive feedback from editors  and rewrite content.
• Collect feedback from consumers  to update content and create new content.
• Manage the flow of information  in group projects. 

As a technical writer, you will be working with teams of computer specialists, software developers, and product designers to collect and present information to the consumers. Your goal is to create clear content that explains the purpose of a product or service.

What Is the Difference Between a Content Writer and a Technical Writer?

Content writers and technical writers are often confused with one another. Both careers require communication, research, and writing skills, but the main difference is the type of projects completed. 

While technical writers often create tutorials, user guides, and manuals, content writers create articles, blogs, and landing pages that are aimed at consumers and search engines. Content writing also includes other skills such as SEO. 

Like many careers, content writing and technical writing may have overlapping responsibilities. In short, technical writing is project-oriented and simplifies complex topics. Content writing is audience-driven and aims to draw consumers towards websites to create new customers and clients for businesses. 

Where Do Technical Writers Work?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists  four main industries where technical writers work . These industries include: 

• Professional, scientific, and technical services: The BLS reports that 35% of technical writers work in this industry, writing white papers, research papers, and other extremely technical or scientific projects. 
• Manufacturing: About 15% work in manufacturing to create how-to guides and help consumers better understand the purpose of products. 
• Administrative and support services: About 9% work in administrative services, where they use their skills to clarify communication channels both within and outside of the business. 
• Publishing industries: About 6% work in publishing and use their skills to create product descriptions, arrange page layouts and type, and ensure consistency across all publications. 

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

What education and qualifications does a technical writer need.

Technical writers often have a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field. However, there is a wide range of education options for those interested in becoming technical writers. Additionally, a technical writer’s education will likely vary depending on their interests. 

For example, an individual who loves writing and who is interested in technology and computers should get a  bachelor’s degree in IT  to better understand the specific technological elements they will be writing about. Earning a  higher education degree  can open more career options and advancement options for technical writers and allow them to move into management positions.

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• Tuition : $3,735 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $3,940 per term for the master's portion.
• Courses: 42 total courses in this program.

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• Time:  60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
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Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable  PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification .

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Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up. 

IT Management – B.S. Business Administration

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Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include: 

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Key competencies of these online courses align with industry needs: management and leadership, networks and security, and information systems management.

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Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.

Leadership Certificate – School of Business

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Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a leadership certificate from the School of Business.

• Time: 4 months from start to finish.
• Cost:  $2,250 for the certificate.
• Courses: 3 courses total in this program.

This program is for emerging leaders, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a WGU degree program.

Whether you aspire to work for a Fortune 500 organization, a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a fast-paced start-up, this certificate can give you the keys to success in a variety of industries, including:

• Finance and Banking
• Manufacturing

How Much Does a Technical Writer Make?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that technical writers earn an average of $74,650 a year. The lowest 10% earn less than $45,510 a year, and the highest 10% earn more than $199,040 a year. Technical writing wages may vary depending on the industry. In addition, your level of experience working in the industry and your willingness to  stand out in your career  will also affect your salary.

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

The BLS reports that the employment for technical writers is expected to grow by 7% by 2029, adding more than 4,300 new positions. Technical writing careers align closely with the projected job growth in the technical and scientific fields. As technical businesses grow and expand, the demand for technical writers increases as well. Technical writing is a great career path for those who are looking to work in IT and English. It is a stable, fast-growing industry with growth opportunities. 

What Skills Does a Technical Writer Need?

As a prospective technical writer, you will need to develop several important skills to excel. Some of the most important skills needed for technical writers include: 

• Critical thinking skills:  This skill allows you to develop strategies in your writing to better communicate with your audience.
• Technical skills:  This skill means that you can understand and communicate complex information.
• Writing skills:  This skill means that you have excellent grammar, and an understanding of written language.
• Teamwork:  This skill means that you can work with a team and complete projects with designers, illustrators, and editors. 
• Creativity:  This skill means that you are inventive in your writing and can convey complicated ideas through interesting phrasing.
• Communication skills:  This skill means that you can convey concepts to coworkers and your audience with ease. 

To begin a career as a technical writer, you must have a complete understanding of the industry you chose to work in. You will be expected to understand high-level concepts with ease and communicate to those with little or no experience in the industry. 

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• Technical Writers: Jobs, Career, Salary and Education Information

Technical Writers

Career, salary and education information.

What They Do : Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.

Work Environment : Most technical writers work full time. Although technical writers work in a variety of industries, they are concentrated in the computer and management, scientific, and technical industries.

How to Become One : A college degree is usually required for a position as a technical writer. In addition, knowledge of or experience with a technical subject, such as science or engineering, is beneficial.

Salary : The median annual wage for technical writers is $78,060.

Job Outlook : Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 6 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Related Careers : Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of technical writers with similar occupations.

Following is everything you need to know about a career as a technical writer with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:

Top 3 Technical Writer Jobs

Senior Technical Writer TDI Technologies, Inc. (TDI) has an immediate opening for a full-time Sr. Technical Writer in San Diego, California. Qualified candidate must have proven technical writing ...

We are hiring for a Technical Writer in the Dallas, TX area. Hours: 7:00am - 3:30pm Days: Monday - Friday Pay: $65K (plus Depends on Experience) The successful candidate will have experience ...

The Technical Writer is responsible for generating innovative ideas for content while working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. The position researches products, services ...

See all Technical Writer jobs

What Technical Writers Do [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Technical writers, also called technical communicators , prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information through an organization's communications channels.

Duties of Technical Writers

Technical writers typically do the following:

• Determine the needs of users of technical documentation
• Study product samples and talk with product designers and developers
• Work with technical staff to make products easier to use and thus require fewer instructions
• Write and organize supporting content for products
• Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel
• Use photographs, drawings, diagrams, animation, and charts that increase users' understanding of the material
• Select appropriate medium for message or audience, such as manuals or online videos
• Standardize content across platforms and media
• Gather user feedback to update and improve content
• Revise content as new issues arise

Technical writers create paper-based and digital operating instructions, how-to manuals, assembly instructions, and "frequently asked questions" pages to help technical support staff, consumers, and other users within a company or an industry. After a product is released, technical writers also may work with product liability specialists and customer-service managers to improve the end-user experience through product design changes.

Technical writers often work with computer hardware engineers , computer support specialists , and software developers to manage the flow of information among project workgroups during development and testing. Therefore, technical writers must be able to understand complex information and communicate the information to people with diverse professional backgrounds.

Applying their knowledge of the user of the product, technical writers may serve as part of a team conducting usability studies to help improve the design of a product that is in the prototype stage. Technical writers may conduct research on their topics through personal observation, library and Internet research, and discussions with technical specialists.

Technical writers are also responsible for managing the consistency of technical content and its use across business departments including product development, manufacturing, marketing, and customer relations.

Some technical writers help write grant proposals for research scientists and institutions.

Increasingly, technical information is being delivered online and through social media. Technical writers are using the interactive technologies of the Web and social media to blend text, graphics, multidimensional images, sound, and video.

Work Environment for Technical Writers [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Technical writers hold about 55,400 jobs. The largest employers of technical writers are as follows:

Most technical writers work full time. They routinely work with engineers and other technology experts to manage the flow of information throughout an organization.

Although most technical writers are employed directly by the companies that use their services, some freelance and are paid per assignment. Freelancers are either self-employed or work for a technical consulting firm and are given short-term or recurring assignments, such as writing about a new product.

Technical writing jobs are usually concentrated in locations with a multitude of information technology or scientific and technical research companies, such as ones in California and Texas.

Technical Writer Work Schedules

Technical writers may be expected to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.

How to Become a Technical Writer [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Get the education you need: Find schools for Technical Writers near you!

A college degree is usually required for a position as a technical writer. In addition, experience with a technical subject, such as computer science, Web design, or engineering, is important.

Education for Technical Writers

Employers generally prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or communications. Many technical writing jobs require both a degree and knowledge in a specialized field, such as engineering, computer science, or medicine. Web design experience also is helpful because of the growing use of online technical documentation.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation for Technical Writers

Some technical writers begin their careers as specialists or research assistants in a technical field. They eventually develop technical communication skills and assume primary responsibilities for technical writing. In small firms, entry-level technical writers may work on projects right away; in larger companies with more standard procedures, beginners may observe experienced technical writers and interact with specialists before being assigned projects.

Technical Writer Training

Many technical writers need short-term on-the-job training to adapt to a different style of writing.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Technical Writers

Some associations, including the Society for Technical Communication, offer certification for technical writers. In addition, the American Medical Writers Association offers extensive continuing education programs and certificates in medical writing. These certificates are available to professionals in the medical and allied scientific communication fields.

Although not mandatory, certification can demonstrate competence and professionalism, making candidates more attractive to employers. It can also increase a technical writer's opportunities for advancement.

Advancement for Technical Writers

Prospects for advancement generally include working on more complex projects and leading or training junior staff.

Important Qualities for Technical Writers

Critical-thinking skills . Technical writers must be able to take complex, technical information and simplify it for colleagues and consumers who have nontechnical backgrounds.

Detail oriented . Technical writers create detailed instructions for others to follow. As a result, they must be detailed and precise at every step so that the instructions can be useful.

Imagination . Technical writers must be able to think about a procedure or product in the way a person without technical experience would think about it.

Teamwork . Technical writers must be able to work well with others. They are almost always part of a team: with other writers; with designers, editors, and illustrators; and with the technical people whose information they are explaining.

Technical skills . Technical writers must be able to understand highly complex information. Many technical writers need a background in engineering or computer science in order to do this.

Writing skills . Technical communicators must have excellent writing skills to be able to explain technical information clearly.

Technical Writer Salaries [ About this section ] [ More salary/earnings info ] [ To Top ]

The median annual wage for technical writers is $78,060. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,890, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $125,010.

The median annual wages for technical writers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Technical writers may be expected to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. Most work full time.

Job Outlook for Technical Writers [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 6 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 5,400 openings for technical writers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment of Technical Writers

As product innovation continues, technical writers will be needed to convert complex information into a format that nontechnical users of these products understand. The continuing expansion of scientific and technical products and growth in digital product support needs will drive employment demand for these writers.

Careers Related to Technical Writers [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

Computer hardware engineers.

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.

Computer Programmers

Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.

Editors plan, review, and revise content for publication.

Interpreters and Translators

Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

Public relations managers plan and direct the creation of material that will maintain or enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.

Public Relations Specialists

Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals.

Writers and Authors

Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media, including advertisements; books; magazines; movie, play, and television scripts; and blogs.

More Technical Writer Information [ About this section ] [ To Top ]

For more information about technical writers, visit

American Medical Writers Association

National Association of Science Writers

Society for Technical Communication

A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Explore more careers: View all Careers or the Top 30 Career Profiles

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• How to Become a Technical Writer

Technical writers are masters of the art of simplicity. They’re the magicians who turn technical concepts and complex information into content that’s easily understood and applied. Think how-to instructions. Think tutorials, directions and product descriptions.

What’s the secret behind making this transformation? Being well-versed in the subject at hand. If a technical writer doesn’t start out with a solid understanding of their topic, they do their homework. They often spend time using new products that are in development, interviewing subject-matter experts and reviewing feedback from usability studies to learn more about their subject. They also collaborate with graphic designers, writing labels and captions, to help illustrate information.

Developments in the Field

Traditionally, technical writers have written for printed materials such as instruction manuals, regulatory documents and journal articles. Though writing for print is still part of the job, the role has expanded to include new responsibilities now that so much content is digital.

“There’s been a change of course for the professional technical writer in regard to the essential tools in their toolbox,” said Carl Chatfield, a seasoned technical writer and instructor in the Certificate in Professional Technical Writing program offered by UW Professional & Continuing Education. “Technical writers might now need skills in user research and prototyping. A technical writer might be expected to do web production work, web analytics and even content strategy.”

Despite the changing face of technical writing, though, the primary goal remains the same: Help the reader. “The most rewarding aspect of the job for me,” said Chatfield, “is seeing that connection between what my audience wants to do and then is able to do.”

High Demand, Especially in Washington

Common job titles.

Technical Writer, Documentation Specialist, Content Writer, Communication Specialist, Technical Editor

Projected Growth

U.S. (2020-30): 7% Washington state (2018-28): 21%

Median Annual salary

U.S. (2020): $74,650 Washington state (2020): $80,440

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET

O*NET projects employment in technical writing to grow by 7% nationally over the coming decade. In Washington state, with its thriving IT industry, projected job growth is even higher, at 21%. A recent search on Indeed.com shows open technical writer positions at more than 150 companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and T-Mobile.

Breaking Into the Field

Not surprisingly, technical writers often break into the field with writing expertise under their belts. Many of the job descriptions you’ll find list a degree in English, journalism or a related area as a qualification. However, having practical expertise can be an equally effective way to land a job these days.

“I've really seen a rise of the subject-matter expert type of writer,” Chatfield noted, “somebody coming from hands-on work in a field like software engineering or health care and then acquiring the communication skills to be an effective technical writer in that industry.”

Whatever route you take to break into the field, having writing samples to show potential employers can be incredibly helpful. “It's very much a portfolio-based field,” Chatfield explained. “The main thing we focus on in the technical writing certificate program is building out your portfolio of work samples.”

Chatfield’s students create writing projects on technology they're interested in that they can publish on the web, such as for open source software publishers and wikis. Those writing samples can help pave the way to a paying job in the field.

Get Started in Technical Writing

If you're interested in moving into the technical writing field, you may want to check out the  Certificate in Professional Technical Writing . UW also offers several related programs and certificates that can help advance your career.

• Specialization in API Documentation
• Specialization in Medical Writing
• Certificate in User-Centered Design  
• Certificate in Storytelling & Content Strategy  
• Master of Science in Human Centered Design & Engineering  
• Certificate Programs
• Storytelling
• User Experience

For more career tips and industry trends,  visit the News & Features section  of our website, and subscribe to our email list. To learn more about UW Professional & Continuing Education certificates, specializations, degrees and courses,  explore your options  or contact us .

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What Degree Do I Need to Become a Technical Writer?

Krystle Dodge

Managing Editor

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In this article, we will be covering…

If you have ever attempted to perform a technical task of any nature, even one as simple as assembling a piece of furniture or using any sort of device or machine, the chances are good that you have encountered a technical writer’s work.

Well-written user manuals, assembly instructions and other pieces of technical writing can allow a person to efficiently and effectively begin using a product to its full potential. In contrast, poorly written or nonexistent instructions can cause a lot of frustration and headaches and sabotage the product’s usefulness. Particularly bad technical writing could even result in the user giving up on and returning the item, losing the business for the manufacturer and retailer. In the worst-case scenarios, poor technical writing could even cause a user or someone in their vicinity to get hurt.

Writing technical instructions and information clearly and concisely is an important skill. That’s why technical writers are in high demand, seeing faster than average rates of job growth in 2021 and bringing home median salaries above that average for the media and communications occupational category. If you want to work as a technical writer, a college education is in your future.

What You Would Do With a Technical Writing Education

Technical writers, also called technical communicators, use the written word to convey technical information to a business or consumer audience. They commonly write a wide variety of materials, including:

• Assembly instructions
• Fact sheets
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents
• How-to guides
• Instruction manuals
• Journal articles
• Operating manuals
• Policy and design documents
• Product packaging
• User guides
• Warning labels
• Whitepapers

Although the job title is technical “writer,” these professionals don’t only use the written word to communicate. They also have a hand in creating or choosing videos, diagrams, drawings, charts and other images to help convey information. In fact, part of a technical writer’s job is to determine which means of communication will work best for delivering a given message.

What Skills Should You Learn While Earning a Degree in Technical Writing?

Most technical writers have a college degree, but the degree itself isn’t the most important thing. Success in working in the field of technical writing has less to do with your college major or degree level and more to do with the professional skills you have. Some of the most important skills for technical writers include writing skills, technical knowledge, imagination, critical thinking skills, attention to detail and teamwork, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Writing Skills

Solid writing skills are essential for technical writers. They must be able to clearly and concisely express technical information in a way that makes it accessible to people, like customers, who might not have a technical background.

What constitutes good writing for technical purposes is somewhat different from literary writing. Your language doesn’t need to be lyrical and your voice doesn’t have to grab a readers’ attention as it might if you were writing a novel, a memoir, a poem or a song. However, technical writers need to draft materials with an emphasis on clarity and conciseness, according to O*NET . Technical writers should strive to make the syntax, grammar, punctuation and word choice free from errors and unobtrusive, and they should be willing to edit and revise their writing to make the final document the best it can be. Choosing appropriate and descriptive terminology is particularly important in technical writing, in which language should be literal and decisive and vague, confusing terms could lead to improper and potentially unsafe assembly or use of the product.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

If you struggle making sense of complex technical information or giving step-by-step instructions, technical writer may not be the right career choice for you, no matter how much you enjoy the actual writing part of the work. Technical writers are often expected to have a working knowledge of the technical fields that pertain to their industry or projects, including science, medicine, computer science, law and engineering.

That’s not to say that you need to be a scientist, physician, lawyer or engineer, but it does mean that you need some sort of a background or fundamental knowledge in these areas of study. Students who pursue a technical writing major will often take a sequence of courses in a general area of technical study to develop the level of familiarity they will need to work in that field.

Imagination

You probably don’t think drafting the technical language used for assembly instructions and product usage directions is a particularly creative endeavor, but there’s definitely room for technical writers to use their imaginations. Good writing of any kind begins with understanding your audience, which means that technical writers need to imagine the personas for which they are writing. By using their imagination to metaphorically put themselves in the user’s shoes, a technical writer can start to assess what information the user is likely to already know and what information users need to be told.

Technical writers address a varied audience in the many types of documents they create. Many of these written materials, of course, are for end-users. Unless otherwise specified based on the nature of the product, these instructions will be intended for the average consumer. The technical writer can’t assume any level of technical knowledge or skill on the part of the reader when creating the assembly instructions for a basic shelving unit as they might for a more specialized product, such as a professional-grade photography lighting equipment kit being sold to users who are already familiar with photography lighting systems.

The instructions and materials created through technical writing aren’t only applicable to users’ personal lives. Technical writers also develop the instructions and manuals for machines and processes used in a professional capacity. For example, the manuals that accompany professional-grade power tools and heavy machinery may be used by contractors and carpenters in the building or remodeling of a home or commercial property. When writing instructions and manuals for medical imaging equipment used in hospitals, the technical writer might be writing for an audience of radiology technicians.

Using your imagination to identify your audience and its needs is a crucial part of being a successful technical writer.

Critical-Thinking Skills

When listing the steps for instruction or assembly, where do you start? Which steps go in which order to make the process as simple and streamlined as possible? What other resources – photos, diagrams, charts, sketches or videos – would a user need to be able to correctly follow your instructions? These are some of the questions about which the technical writer needs to think critically. Just as it’s often difficult for writers, in general, to catch their own mistakes because they know what they meant in their choice of words and sentence structure, it can also be challenging to identify areas of your own instructions that are unclear or confusing. Strong technical writers need to turn critical eyes on their own work. They also need to be resourceful as they identify the best ways to express information, including ways beyond the written word.

Attention to Detail

When it comes to assembly and installation instructions and product usage guides, “good enough” doesn’t cut it. Precision matters. Technical writers must pay attention not only to the details of the wording you choose but also details about included components and steps and sub-steps within the process. Good technical writers prefer specific terms over more vague ones. For example, instead of saying “a few,” they will specify whether they’re talking about three or four components. Technical writers become good at breaking down large and potentially confusing steps into smaller steps that are clearer, so readers don’t have to guess at what they mean or keep rereading the same step to make sense of it.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Technical writers typically aren’t the designers or engineers behind the creation of the product. They’re not directly involved in marketing and sales efforts. To make sure their instructions, manuals and articles fit the task at hand, technical writers often have to collaborate with many other parties, from the design and engineering personnel they interview to learn about the product to the editors, illustrators, publication designers and marketers who are all working toward the success of the product.

Technical writers also need skills in using technologies such as computer-aided design software, configuration management software, database software, desktop publishing software, project management software, graphics imaging software and development software, O*NET reported. 

Major Options for a Technical Writer Education

A bachelor’s degree is the typical level of education expected for technical writers, the BLS reported. However, more than a third of the field reported having only an associate’s degree, and some technical writers reported having some college education but no formal degree, according to O*NET. Generally, having a bachelor’s degree will give you the most career options.

A wide variety of options of majors is available to undergraduate students who aspire to become technical writers. Many technical writers approach the field with a degree that emphasizes either their communication skills or a background in the technical subject about which they want to write. Others pursue specialized technical writer degrees that follow an interdisciplinary curriculum.

Degrees in English, Writing and Communications

Since your main job duty as a technical writer is writing, it makes sense that students eyeing this career path would focus on building up their writing skills. They often do this by studying a subject like English, writing or communications.

English classes tend to focus more on works of English literature than developing your own writing skills. However, the amount of reading and writing these programs entail – not to mention the critical thinking and analysis you undertake as a student of literature – can help you flesh out your writing skills.

Writing programs may be creative or professional in nature. Although majoring in creative writing won’t necessarily hold you back from becoming a technical writer, the focus on creative and literary applications of writing has less to do with technical writing work than a professional writing major would.

Communications is the broadest of these writing-focused majors. These programs are more likely to cover non-writing forms of communication, such as multimedia communication, digital media and visual communication.

Students who study English or writing may want to develop their knowledge in a technical field, as well, either through additional academic study like a minor or dual major or through work experience.

Technical Degrees 

Some technical writers begin by studying and working in technical fields, like computer science, mathematics, engineering or any science field. These professionals often work as research assistants or specialists in their technical area of study, where they develop the background knowledge necessary to work as a technical writer, according to the BLS. They then cultivate the writing and communication skills necessary to attain a technical writer position and succeed in the career.

If you’re more interested in the writing side of technical writing than in the technical work, the idea of pursuing a four-year degree in a technical subject may be daunting. Consider double-majoring in English or writing and your technical area or pursuing a technical minor along with an English major.

Specialized Technical Writing Degrees

An increasing number of schools offer technical writing programs. These programs often emphasize core coursework in rhetorical theory, communication modes and methods, professional and technical communication, usability, writing for digital technologies, writing style, editing and writing arguments, proposals, business communications and other types of content. Students may take classes pertaining to legal writing, health writing, environmental writing and science writing. Some programs allow students to take a series of communication-focused courses in their technical subject of interest, too.

However candidates choose to prepare for a career in technical writing, they should build a portfolio that showcases their skills by providing examples of their work. Potential employers are likely to consider the strength of their portfolio as a crucial factor in hiring decisions. To stay competitive and improve their advancement potential, technical writers may wish to seek certification from organizations like the Society for Technical Communication or the American Medical Writers Association.

Technical writers earned a median salary of $74,650 per year as of 2020, according to the BLS. They also enjoy a positive job outlook, with the BLS expecting job opportunities to increase by a faster than average 7 percent from 2019 through 2029.

Related Resources: 

What Is the Difference in a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Writing and Technical Writing?

What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Technical Writing and Journalism?

For Further Reading: 

20 Non-Law Firm Jobs with a Law Degree

How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

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• The Profession

Becoming a Technical Writer at Google

Technical Writers provide a key link between Google engineers, product managers, marketing associates, developer advocates, as well as client developers and users, tying together many vital but disparate parts of the Google ecosystem.

Who can become a technical writer at Google?

There is no single path to becoming a technical writer at Google. Although a few have earned degrees in technical writing, most technical writers come from other worlds. For example, you'll find plenty of software engineers, development operations engineers, journalists, physicists, lawyers, and teachers now working as technical writers at Google. Despite the wide range of educational and professional backgrounds, this diverse bunch share the following skills:

• Write clearly in English. We don't care whether English is your first language or your tenth; we only care about the quality of your writing in English.
• Learn complex technologies relatively quickly.
• Explain complex technologies in useful ways for the target audience.
• Wield strong interpersonal skills.
• Understand code.

Technical writers are rare hybrids, possessing an uncommon mixture of talents.

What if I don't have professional experience as a technical writer?

In some cases, applicants have the requisite talents but don't have demonstrable professional experience. If you don't yet have a technical communication portfolio, we recommend contributing documentation to open-source projects. Your documentation portfolio should ideally meet the following criteria:

• Represent a variety of documentation types.
• Adhere to a well-known style guide .

What do Google's technical writers document?

Although some Google technical writers focus on hardware and others on consumer products such as Google Docs, most Google technical writers document programming products, including:

• Google Cloud
• Google Maps

Helping developers use these technologies or platforms might involve traditional documentation, code samples, videos, slides, or any other media that gets the job done. Technical writers are seldom bored.

How can I become a Technical Writer at Google?

To apply for a job as a Technical Writer at Google, do the following:

Go to the Technical Writer page on the Google Careers website.

Read through the positions and click Apply on those that interest you. (Note that you must click Expand in order to see the Apply button.)

Complete the application form.

Actual humans review every resume that comes through. To optimize your chances, highlight your experience documenting technical topics.

Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License , and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License . For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies . Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Last updated 2023-12-19 UTC.