Technical Writers

Career summary

Technical writers are also known as technical communicators.

Technical writers prepare many kinds of written materials. For example, they write:

• Technical reports
• Journal articles
• Sales proposals

They also write manuals that give detailed information on how to install, use, or repair products. Their goal is to make technical information understandable for people who do not have a technical background.

Technical writers begin a project by meeting with members of a technical team to learn more about the project. They find out about the requirements, such as how long the document should be and when it must be completed.

They also learn about the document's purpose and audience. Technical writers read any information that is available, such as product catalogs or technical journals.

They study drawings or mockups of the product, or observe the product in operation. They interview people who develop or work on the product, such as scientists or engineers. They take notes as they gather information.

Technical writers prepare an outline of the whole project. They select photos or drawings to illustrate the project.

Technical writers create a rough draft according to technical writing standards. Writers submit copies of the rough draft to reviewers or technical editors.

Editors write corrections and suggestions on their copies and return them. Based on these suggestions, technical writers make revisions and prepare a final draft.

In addition, they keep records and files of their drafts and revisions. When the final draft is accepted, writers may assist in laying out the document for publication.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Editors
• News Reporters
• Professional Bloggers and Podcasters
• Proofreaders
• Public Relations Specialists
• Social Science Research Assistants
• Writers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to technical writers.

• Sort and organize the material and prepare an outline.
• Maintain records and files of writing and revisions.
• Read and make revisions to information written by other writers. Review edits.
• Consult with technical team to learn requirements, purpose, and audience for the writing project.
• Review published materials and recommend revisions.
• Select photos or illustrations, or arrange for their production.
• Study drawings or observe operation of item to understand the technology.
• Interview scientists, engineers, or managers who work on the product. Take notes.
• Arrange for materials to be typed, duplicated, and distributed.
• May assist in laying out material for publication.
• May draw sketches or take photos to illustrate the project.
• Follow developments in field. Determine if published materials need to be revised.
• Read and review written information about the project. May look at manufacturers' catalogs and technical journals.
• Write rough draft considering standards of order, clarity, style, and terminology.
• Submit copies of draft to technical editors for review.
• Write final draft according to corrections and suggestions.

Common work activities

Technical writers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Analyze data or information
• Process information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Document and record information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Think creatively
• Evaluate information against standards
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, technical writers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They work closely with editors and people they interview.
• Are responsible for their work outcomes.
• Communicate with technical team and editors daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work indoors.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. If a step is missing from the directions, or the writing is unclear, customers may be unhappy.
• Must repeat the same mental activities, such as reviewing technical materials.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that affect other people. They rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
• Are able to set most tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work part time or full time, but most work 40 hours a week.
• May work overtime to meet deadlines.

Physical demands

Technical writers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for technical writers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for technical writers to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

Skills and abilities

Technical writers need to:

Communicate

• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• English Composition and Writing
• Technical and Business Writing

Other programs of study to consider

• Computer Science
• Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging
• Digital Communication and Media
• Engineering, General
• English Language and Literature
• Family and Consumer Sciences, General
• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Web Page and Multimedia Design

Training

To work as a technical writer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• have one to five years experience with a technical subject; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

There are many ways to prepare for this occupation. You can get a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or English, and add technical classes. Another approach is to major in a technical area, such as engineering, computer science, or science. With this approach, you take as many writing related classes as you can.

A growing number of colleges offer degrees in technical writing. Courses vary based on the type of program. In general, technical writing programs offer a core of writing courses. They also include courses in algebra, statistics, logic, science, and engineering.

A bachelor's degree in technical writing coupled with a master's degree in journalism or communications is excellent preparation.

Work experience

Some technical writers begin as specialists or research assistants in a technical field. By developing technical communication skills, they eventually take on responsibilities for technical writing. In small firms, beginning technical writers may work on projects right away. In larger companies, beginners may observe experienced technical writers and interact with specialists before being assigned projects.

On-the-job training

Beginning technical writers often start with smaller firms or do routine tasks at first. You often begin by doing research or proofreading for experienced writers. Once you have some experience, you write your own articles. Training may last up to six months but usually is around two to three months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Journalism
• Probability and Statistics
• Technical Writing

Also consider taking courses in any technical area you would like to write about, such as engineering or chemistry.

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer to hire technical writers who have at least a bachelor's degree. They also prefer writers with knowledge of the appropriate technical field.

Employers also look for applicants who have previous writing experience. High school and college newspapers and magazines can provide valuable writing experience.

Some employers will hire technical writers who do not have any work related experience. Other employers prefer to hire technical writers who have three to four years of experience.

A major in the field of interest with a minor in journalism or technical communications is useful. Clients of self-employed technical writers want workers who are self-directed, able to meet their needs, schedules, and limitations, and who have the tools to do the job.

Tips

Knowledge of graphics, layout, and other aspects of publication production may be helpful in getting a job. Some organizations hire junior technical writers for the summer months and interns from college degree programs during the school year. Experience working for an employer in a related occupation is very valuable.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Technical Writers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary widely by employer and area of the country.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time technical writers may earn benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Part-time writers may not receive benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About one in five technical writers works for a computer software company. Technical writers work throughout the country, but the largest concentrations are in the northeastern states, Texas, and California.

Major employers:

• Computer systems design companies
• Engineering, surveying, and mapping firms
• Consulting firms

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be strong. The continuing growth of scientific and technical information should increase the need for technical writers. Much of this information must be communicated to others, including those who do not have a technical background. With the expansion of the Internet, there will be an increased need for technical writing. In addition, openings will be created by workers who leave the field.

Job prospects are best for those with technical skill. Competition for jobs may be strong due to competition for freelance writers.

Other resources

American Medical Writers Association 
30 West Gude Drive, Suite 525
Rockville, MD 20850
240.238.0940

Careers in Space: A Universe of Options 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

IEEE Computer Society 
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

National Association of Science Writers 
PO Box 7905
Berkeley, CA 94707
510.647.9500

National Writers Union 
256 West 38th Street, Suite 703
New York, NY 10018

Society for Technical Communication 
3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 406
Fairfax, VA 22030
703.522.2075

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Technical Writers (27-3042.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Editor, Technical and Scientific Publications (132.017-018) 
• Specification Writer (019.267-010) 
• Writer, Technical Publications (131.267-026) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Technical Writer

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Communication