Best Careers: Technical Writer

As one of the 50 Best Careers, this should have strong growth over the next decade

December 6, 2010 RSS Feed Print

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The rundown:

A DVR operating instruction manual. An assembly manual for a coffee table. A how-to guide for using the latest smart phone. What do all of these have in common? They are the results of the hard work of a technical writer. For those who are tech savvy and keep a copy of a MacBook instruction manual handy for their bedside reading, a career as a technical writer may be the right fit. Your job as a technical writer would be to translate difficult-to-understand information into layman's terms (think: operating instructions, how-to manuals, assembly instructions, and online help information). You may work in engineering, scientific, or healthcare fields, simplifying highly specialized information for the average Joe. Also, you'd work with computers and electronic publishing software, including graphic design, page layout, and multimedia software. Some technical writers who are self-employed or work for a technical consulting firm do freelance or contract work.

[See a list of The 50 Best Careers.]

The outlook:

Future employment for technical writers looks bright, especially for those with strong Web and multimedia skills, according to estimates by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Technical writing positions are expected to grow by more than 18 percent, or 8,900 jobs, by 2018. There will be an increasing demand for technical writers who specialize in law, science, or technology. Keep in mind that technical writers will prosper only to the degree their industry does—so jobs in healthcare, for instance, may be more secure than jobs in other fields more vulnerable to downsizing or offshoring.

Money:

Median pay for technical writers was $62,700 in 2009. The lowest-paid technical writers earn less than $37,000, and the highest-paid positions earn more than $100,000. In some industries, offshoring may put downward pressure on pay.

Upward mobility:

Advancement for technical writers entails working on more complex assignments, leading or training junior staff, and getting enough work to be a full-time freelancer. Keeping up with the latest technology is essential. It helps if you're comfortable working as a contractor, since companies increasingly prefer to hire that way.

Activity level:

Relatively low. With continued advances in laptop computers and wireless communications, technical writers can work from virtually any location with Internet access.

[See a list of the best creative and service careers.]

Stress level:

Moderate to high. Expect to work early mornings, late nights, and weekends to meet deadlines or coordinate with clients in different time zones. These deadline pressures and work hours can often lead to stress, fatigue, and even burnout. Extended time spent in front of computers can lead to eyestrain and back pain.

Education and preparation:

You will need a college degree, some knowledge in a technical subject, as well as Web design and computer graphics experience. Employers look for technical writers with a bachelor's degree, preferably in communications, journalism, or English. It is becoming common for technical writers to have a degree in a specialized field, such as engineering, business, or science. Also, familiarity with Web design, electronic publishing, and computer graphics is becoming more valuable in this digital age.

[Find online degree programs in creative services.]

Real advice from real people about landing a job as a technical writer:

"The key is to be able to talk to the technical experts—be they engineers, auto mechanics, food specialists, or doctors—then interpret what they say and write it down in clear English that other people can understand. One way to get started is to write non-fiction wherever and whenever you can. Write articles for local newsletters (everybody has a newsletter), websites, or blogs. Write instructions, training materials, or safety procedures at your current job. Even learn to write a book. In all cases, keep a copy of everything you write so you can show people what you've done."—John Hedtke, owner of JVH Communications in Eugene, Ore., and author of 26 books and nearly 200 magazine articles

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Tech writers will all be using Dozuki Guidebook in the very near future. PDF user manuals are terrible, they are going to be replaced with interactive, cloud based user manuals.

Bill Sampson of AR 3:04PM January 20, 2012

I believe this article's take on salary to be fairly accurate based on my experiences as a recruiter for multiple firms on the east coast within the past 10 years. On the east coast and within the IT field, entry-level tech writers start at around $40-$55k. Play the market right and with a few years of experience you can be between $60-$70k. Senior tech writer's with 5+ years experience can score gigs between $70k-$100k+ around the NYC, Philly, and Boston areas. The field is being viewed less like a "cost center" and more as a necessity as clients demand user-friendly documentation for the products and services they are paying for.
If you are a consultant, non-exempt hourly tech writer, the salary numbers can be even higher due to the fact that you typically do not receive benefits and vacation days (and if you do, they tend to be expensive and very minimal).
My advice to IT tech writers is to never stop polishing your skills. If you are laid off, be sure to focus on learning XML, single-sourcing, DITA, and other emerging technologies in the field. There is lots of free info online, as well as some great audiobooks and hard copy books. Being a Microsoft Word wiard is no longer a qualification that appeals to employees. Most people in the IT field can use a tool like Word to some degree. Focus on pushing your skills beyond WYSIWYG publishing software. Become a wiki-using guru, learn graphic design apps (photoshop, fireworks, SnagIt), etc.
Those that think the tech writing field is fading away and being outsourced are looking at the wrong companies. Do not rely solely on what you see on Monster.com or SimplyHired.com - be sure to network with ex co-workers on LinkedIn, etc. Yes, some jobs are outsourced to India, but this occurs in a lot of fields - programming, call centers, etc, But if you're the cream of the crop, this shouldn't affect you. If you're a tech writer with a mediocre skillset and you're in the field just to make money while you write a fiction novel - then no - this field will not be rewarding for you. It will pay the bills, but you will likely be more susceptible to layoffs when companies tighten their wallets because you're skills won't stand out above the crowd. But as is the case in many fields - if you continue to better yourself in your field and commit to never stop learning, this can be a very financially rewarding field.

RecruiterIT of PA 10:31AM December 16, 2011

Cracking blog post!!!

Lasik of AL 3:54AM December 13, 2011

Best Careers: Technical Writer

As one of the 50 Best Careers, this should have strong growth over the next decade

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