Technical writers are frequently people with good writing skills that create specialized materials regarding products and services. If you enjoy using your writing to assist people comprehend topics or demonstrate how to utilize products, technical writing may be for you. Understanding what these writers do can help you determine whether you want to work in this industry. In this post, we will define what a technical writer does and what their job description is, as well as how to become one, then discuss other important details about the career, such as salary, certificate, and qualifications.
What is a Technical Writer?
A technical writer is in charge of developing technical documentation and manuals for a variety of products and services. Technical writers are excellent at converting difficult technical knowledge into clear and succinct language that non-technical readers may understand. They collaborate with subject matter experts to collect data and create documentation such as user manuals, product specifications, and technical reports. Training materials, online help systems, and other support materials may also be created by technical writers to assist users in navigating and understanding complicated products or systems.
Technical writers frequently have a technical background, such as engineering, computer science, or science, but this is not necessarily required. Many technical writers are also familiar with the specialist software or tools that are used to develop and disseminate technical documents. Technical writers must be able to collaborate with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to guarantee that the documentation appropriately reflects the product or service being documented.
What Does a Technical Writer Do?
A technical writer develops documents that demonstrate how to utilize products or explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. They may collect data and interpret it so that members of the target audience may understand it. They may produce instruction manuals, guidelines, journal papers, or other types of supporting documentation depending on the industry they represent. Technical writers may work for corporations that manufacture products, but they may also work for copywriting firms that give technical writing services to a variety of clients.
What a technical writer does may vary depending on their profession. Here are some of the fields where technical writers work, as well as an explanation of what each type of technical writer does:
- Medicine and science: Medical and scientific-technical writers prepare documents for medical and scientific items or research, such as clinical trial reports and research papers.
- Marketing: A marketing technical writer develops technical documents for marketing products such as white papers and case studies.
- Software and technology: Customer support documents, such as user manuals for software and technology goods, are often created by a technical writer in this industry.
- Business and finance: Commercial and finance technical writers prepare documents such as contracts, proposals, and financial documents to aid in commercial transactions.
- Education: An educational or instructional technical writer writes classroom and learning texts such as training manuals, study guides, resources, workbooks, and textbooks.
- Engineering: A technical writer in engineering develops documents for engineering goods such as user manuals, diagrams, and schematics.
Duties and Responsibilities for Technical Writers
A technical writer’s responsibilities can vary depending on the industry and company for which they work. Some frequent responsibilities are as follows:
- Researching and gathering technical information: Technical writers perform research and collaborate with subject matter experts to acquire important technical knowledge and ensure the documents they develop are full and accurate.
- Determining project requirements: technical writers may select the most appropriate formatting and medium, depending on the target audience and unique project.
- Editing and proofreading content: Technical writers edit and proofread their work as well as the work of other technical writers to ensure that the documents they create are free of grammatical errors and technical flaws.
- Client communication: A technical writer who works for an agency or on a freelance basis speaks with their clients about their needs and standards, as well as responds to any client comments.
- Managing many projects at the same time: Technical writers may work on multiple projects at the same time, thus they must be able to efficiently manage their time to meet project deadlines.
Technical Writer Job Description
Many firms aim to attract competent professionals, and their expectations are reflected in a clear description of technical writer job requirements and responsibilities to ensure that candidates understand what is expected of them from the minute they are hired. So, if you want to be a technical writer, there is always a good place to learn about the jobs, responsibilities, and necessary skills, and make sure your resume reflects that.
Almost all job descriptions for technical writers include a list of responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required, ranging from the bare minimum to those preferred. The employment requirements of a technical writer may differ depending on the firm and industry. However, in all circumstances, the first slots will comprise Writing, Editing, and, in some cases, Translation. Journalism, Graphic Design, and Drafting are among the other needed skills most typically cited in a job description of a technical writer.
A bachelor’s degree and at least many years of industry experience are typically required for technical writers. This is where certification comes into play. Some organizations also list desirable credentials or bonus skills, such as expertise with documentation publishing software tools or competence with XML tools or HTML/CSS — these are not required but are a plus.
Let us clarify this with some instances of real technical writer job descriptions from real employers. This description is provided solely to provide an idea of what to expect on the job market and will not expose any confidential information about the companies.
Examples of Technical Writer Job Descriptions
Important Duties and Responsibilities:
- In charge of writing instruction manuals for a wide range of consumer products.
- Organizes information and completes writing projects by established criteria for organization, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Illustrates material with selected photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts
- Assists with database management, proofreading, issue resolution, photographs, and product evaluation.
- Works closely with buyers and quality assurance employees to ensure that specifications, product assembly methods, and operational procedures are correct.
Job Qualifications Requirements – Education and Experience:
- Has some tool experience or worked in a technical field
- Can work on written tasks alone and be a dependable team member
- Must be a PC user who is familiar with, or can rapidly learn InDesign software.
- Good organizational skills, verbal and written communication skills, and computer skills are required.
Technical Writer Salary
The average hourly salary for a Technical Writer in the United States is $38.77 as of June 22, 2023. While ZipRecruiter reports hourly wages as high as $66.35 and as low as $13.70, the bulk of Technical Writer salaries in the United States now vary between $28.85 (25th percentile) to $46.15 (75th percentile). The average salary range for a Technical Writer varies substantially (by as much as $17.31), implying that there may be numerous prospects for promotion and higher income dependent on skill level, location, and years of experience.
According to recent ZipRecruiter job posts, the Technical Writer job market in Atlanta, GA, and the surrounding area is quite active. A Technical Writer in your area earns $39 per hour on average, which is $0.25 (1%) more than the national average hourly salary of $38.77.
How to Become a Technical Writer
Most businesses prefer technical writers with a college degree and some particular technical or scientific skills, such as computer or medical procedure knowledge.
However, there are other pathways that technical writers can take. Some technical writers begin their careers as research assistants in a specialized technical or scientific discipline. They eventually learn technical communication skills and how to write technical documentation.
Entry-level technical writers who work for major corporations frequently shadow experienced writers at first. Entry-level positions in small businesses may not provide the same level of training before taking on independent projects.
Do You Need a Degree to Be a Technical Writer?
Bachelor’s degrees in English or communications, or a double major in English and a scientific or technical discipline, are typical for technical writers. If you don’t already have a comparable college degree, try pursuing one at one of those prestigious institutions.
Expect to take classes in the following areas:
- English composition
- Literary studies
- Writing workshops
- Contexts of writing
- Business writing
Many institutions offer a minor emphasis in technical writing that can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree. A technical writing minor will help you polish your technical writing, editing, and presenting skills. You will learn how to write for business, technology, and science.
Completing a technical writing internship can provide you with hands-on experience and help you land your first job. Check with your college to see if there are any open internship opportunities.
Technical Writer Certificate
A Technical Writer Certificate is a certificate that shows that an individual has finished a technical writing program or course of study. Technical writing is a type of writing that is used to explain complicated information to a specified audience, such as instructions, manuals, technical reports, or other papers about the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
Typically, a Technical Writer Certificate program will cover the following topics:
- Writing for a Technical Audience: This course addresses the basics of technical writing, such as clear and succinct language, organization, and visual communication.
- Technical Writing Tools and Technologies: This section covers technical writing tools and technologies such as desktop publishing software, content management systems, and graphics software.
- Technical Writing Process: This covers the steps involved in writing technical publications, such as planning, drafting, editing, and revising.
- Specialized Writing Skills: Writing for Specific Audiences, Creating Instructional Materials, and Writing Technical Reports are examples of specialist writing skills.
A Technical Writer Certificate might be an important credential for anyone interested in a career in technical writing. It might show employers that the applicant has a solid understanding of technical writing ideas, tools, and procedures. Individuals who are already working in technical fields and want to develop their writing skills or migrate into technical writing professions may also benefit from the certificate.
Technical Writer Certifications
Because technical writers operate in a range of areas, they may obtain several qualifications to validate their skills. The following are some common technical writing certifications:
- Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC): offers three levels of technical writing certification for technical writers: Foundation, Practitioner, and Expert. You must pass an exam to acquire a Foundation CPTC, while the Practitioner and Expert levels need you to pass an exam as well as submit a writing sample for review.
- Medical Writer Certified (MWC): The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) certifies your ability to create a wide range of medical documentation. To obtain an MWC certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in the medical communication sector, as well as pass an exam.
- Basic Certificate in Technical Writing: TechWriter-Certification provides a Basic Certificate in Technical Writing for entry-level writers. For skilled technical writers, the firm also provides several higher credentials.
Is Technical Writing Well Paid?
Yes, technical writing may be a lucrative career, especially for individuals with expertise and specialized skills. The salary, however, can vary depending on the industry, region, and other considerations.
Is It Hard to Become a Technical Writer?
It is difficult to become one if you lack the necessary courses or certifications. Although being a technical writer requires some effort and devotion, it is a career path that is attainable for individuals with the right combination of skills, knowledge, and experience.
What Skills Do Technical Writers Have?
Examples of technical writing abilities:
- Writing.
- Technical expertise.
- Research.
- Communication.
- Proofreading and editing.
- Audience’s knowledge.
- Empathy.
- Planning.
Is Technical Writing a Stressful Job?
According to Les Krantz’s The Jobs Rated Almanac 2001, technical writers have a “relatively moderate to medium level of stress” when compared to other industries.
Is Technical Writing a Desk Job?
Yes. Technical writers are typically employed in offices. The majority of technical writers work full-time. They frequently collaborate with engineers and other technology specialists to control information flow within a business.
Do You Need a Degree in Technical Writing?
Yes. A bachelor’s degree is often required for entry into the field of technical writing. Furthermore, education or experience in a technical field, such as physics or engineering, is advantageous.
Are Technical Writers in High Demand?
Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5.5% increase in technical writer employment between 2021 and 2031. An estimated 3,100 positions should become available over that period.
Do Technical Writers Work From Home?
Yes. Technical writing is an excellent choice for writers and communications professionals looking for work-from-home opportunities.
Conclusion
To summarize, the job of a technical writer is significantly more important and versatile than one may believe. The primary goal is to simplify complex things so that everyone can understand how a product works.
A large variety of industries have a high demand for such people, and this is unlikely to alter shortly. Salaries for experienced technical writers with professional experience and a university degree are often comparable to engineers’ earnings. Writing and editing are the basic skills for which tech writers are compensated. However, the more diverse your skill set is, the better your salary potential.
If you think this is a field for you, start honing your talents, keep improving as a pro, and best of luck in becoming a good tech writer.
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