Technical Writers

Technical writers translate complex information into clear, organized documentation. Day-to-day tasks center on working with computers to draft, edit, and format materials like assembly instructions, handbooks, and grant proposals. They spend significant time getting information, analyzing data, and interpreting technical concepts so that others can easily understand them. This requires strong skills in writing, reading comprehension, active listening, and critical thinking.

To succeed, writers must have a deep knowledge of the English language, communications, and computers. They also benefit from understanding administration, public safety, and customer service. Because they must organize and prioritize their own work, they rely on strong time management and coordination. This career strongly appeals to people with conventional interests who enjoy structured, detail-oriented tasks. Key work styles include attention to detail, dependability, intellectual curiosity, and cooperation. Writers must also show adaptability and a tolerance for ambiguity when dealing with evolving technical details.

Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree. Because this career is classified under O*NET Job Zone 4, most professionals also need several years of related work experience before they are hired. No specific licenses or certifications are listed as requirements for this occupation.

Students preparing for this career often choose college majors focused on communication and writing. Relevant majors include rhetoric and composition or writing studies, business or corporate communications, and public relations, advertising, and applied communication. Another related field of study is family and consumer sciences or human sciences business services. These programs help students build the essential writing, research, and technical communication skills needed to document complex processes.

The median annual wage for technical writers is $90,390. This means half of the writers in this field earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $57,440, while the highest 10% earn more than $145,270.

There are 45,500 people employed in this occupation. From 2025 to 2035, employment is projected to grow by 0.8%, which represents little or no change in the total number of jobs. Despite this flat growth, about 3,200 job openings are expected to become available each year to replace workers who leave the occupation.