Technical writers
SOC Code: 27-3042Also known as:
Assembly Instructions Writer, Clinical Writer, Contracts Writer, Document Specialist, Documentation Designer
Median Annual Salary
$91,670
+0.9% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
56K
Current Jobs
What Technical writers Do
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
💰 Salary
$91,670
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.9%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
56,400
Projected Employment (2034)
56,900
Related Careers
Project management specialists
$100,750 •
+5.6% growth
Management analysts
$101,190 •
+8.8% growth
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Proofreaders and copy markers
$49,210 •
-0.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Writing
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
- Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
- Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
- Develop or maintain online help documentation.
- Assist in laying out material for publication.
- Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
- Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
- Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Technical writers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a technical writers:
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
2,835 degrees awarded •
159 colleges offer this program
Business/Corporate Communications, General
801 degrees awarded •
57 colleges offer this program
Writing, General
765 degrees awarded •
108 colleges offer this program
Technical and Scientific Communication
191 degrees awarded •
28 colleges offer this program
Grantsmanship
13 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Business/Corporate Communications, Other
12 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Technical writers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become technical writers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do technical writers make?
The median annual salary for technical writers is $91,670.
What education do technical writers need?
Most technical writers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing, Business/Corporate Communications, General, Writing, General.
Is becoming technical writers a good career choice?
Technical writers is projected to see +0.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 4,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for technical writers?
Top colleges for aspiring technical writers include
Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Georgia.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to technical writers?
Technical writers may also be known as: Assembly Instructions Writer, Clinical Writer, Contracts Writer, Document Specialist, Documentation Designer, Documentation Specialist, Documentation Writer, Engineering Documentation Specialist, Engineering Writer, Grant Writer, Handbook Writer, Health Science Writer, Health Technical Writer, Information Developer, Lexicographer, Manual Writer, Medical Technical Writer, Medical Writer, Narrative Writer, Process Description Writer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.