what is a technical writer?
Technical writers are responsible for creating documentation that explains and breaks down concepts, products, or ideas in an easy-to-understand way for an intended audience. If you’ve ever purchased a furniture set, the instruction manual that came in the box was written by a technical writer. In this case, you are the target audience, and the product the writer is explaining is the furniture.
In a software development company, technical writers may work with engineers to create manuals that explain complex, technical ideas for other members of the company who are subject matter experts on the topic, such as their technical support team. In this case, the technical writer’s target audience is other employees at their company rather than end users or customers.
Even within the same company, different departments may have their own technical writers. For instance, a major tech company might have technical writers in their engineering department, IT department, and public relations department, with each writer catering to a specific audience.
Would working as a technical writer suit your talent for writing and communicating? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a technical writer role.
view jobs near youaverage technical writer salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average technical writer salary is $78,060 or $37.53 per hour. The top-paid 25% of technical writers make $98,840 on average whereas the lowest-paid 25% average $61,830.
Keep in mind, however, that your salary as a technical writer depends on various factors, especially the industry you're in. For example, technical writers in software development, who usually need specialized skills like coding knowledge, may enjoy higher average salaries compared to those in consumer products.
Your salary as a technical writer can also be influenced by factors such as company size, education, and your location. Technical writers working for large corporations will tend to earn more on average than those who work in small startups, and those who work in big cities earn more compared to those who work in smaller locations due to the higher cost of living.
Among the top five best-paying cities for technical writers, three of them are located in metropolitan areas in Northern California, right in the middle of Silicon Valley.
Wondering what you can earn as a technical writer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a technical writer is.
types of technical writers
To better understand the role of technical writers, it helps to categorize them based on the types of technical documents they create and the target audience they serve. Here are some examples of documents you may create as a technical writer:
- instruction manuals
- product notifications
- product descriptions
- issue resolutions
- white papers
As a technical writer, your target audience can vary widely. It may include customers, consumers of your company's products, company stakeholders, or even your fellow coworkers.
working as a technical writer
Are you wondering what the day-to-day life of a technical writer looks like? The following section covers, in detail, what you can expect from your work schedule, environment, and future job outlook as a technical writer.
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technical writer job description
Technical writers play a crucial role in creating clear and concise documentation for complex technical concepts and products. Here are the key duties and day-to-day responsibilities of a technical writer:
- document creation: Technical writers are responsible for producing various types of documentation, such as user manuals, installation guides, troubleshooting guides, and issue resolution papers.
- research: Technical writers conduct thorough research to understand their subject matter and gather relevant information. They collaborate with other professionals and subject matter experts to obtain an in-depth knowledge of the topic they are writing about.
- content organization: Technical writers organize information in a logical and structured manner. They create outlines and visual aids to present complex concepts in a simplified and coherent way. This helps users easily navigate and understand the documentation.
- writing and editing: Technical writers spend most of their day writing about complex, technical concepts. They also constantly review and edit their own work for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company style guidelines.
- collaboration and coordination: Technical writers collaborate with other teams in a company (engineers, product managers, quality assurance specialists, etc.). They also gather feedback, validate information, and incorporate changes based on the input from various stakeholders.
- document maintenance: Technical writers often go back to past documents to update them to reflect changes in products or technologies. They ensure that the documentation is accurate and up to date.
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who are your colleagues?
Because technical writers work in almost all industries, and could even work in different departments within the same company, they have all sorts of different colleagues. These include:
- subject matter experts (SMEs): SMEs are individuals who possess in-depth knowledge and expertise about a particular field or product. They provide you with the necessary information, explanations, and insights about the subject matter you’re documenting.
- engineers and developers: You will work closely with engineers and developers who are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining whatever products a company puts out. They help you understand the technical aspects and functionalities of the product.
- product managers: Product managers define the vision and functionality of a product. They provide insights into the product's target audience, user personas, and use cases.
- quality assurance (QA) specialists: QA specialists test a company’s product for functionality, performance, and usability. They can provide valuable feedback on the documentation, identifying potential gaps or ambiguities.
- user experience (UX) designers: UX designers enhance the usability and user experience of a product. They may provide input on how to present information in a user-friendly and intuitive way.
- project managers: Project managers oversee a company’s projects and ensure that they stay on track in terms of timelines and deliverables. They provide guidance on project priorities and deadlines.
- marketing and sales teams: Depending on the organization, you may collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure that the documentation effectively communicates the company’s product's features and benefits to your target audience.
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work schedule
Technical writers typically work a standard 40-hour week, following an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule in an office setting. However, it is becoming increasingly common for technical writers to have the flexibility to work remotely.
The decision of whether a technical writing job is remote, in-office, or a hybrid arrangement depends on the company's preferences and the level of hands-on involvement required for a specific technical writer's role. Some technical writers may need to work in an office to be in close proximity to the company's products or to maintain constant communication with colleagues.
It is uncommon for technical writers to work weekends and overtime, but occasions may arise if there are large projects or tight deadlines.
Experienced technical writers may choose to pursue freelance work, allowing them to choose their own clients and set their own schedules.
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job outlook for technical writer
Technical writers have excellent opportunities for career advancement, whether they choose to remain with the same company for an extended period or explore new opportunities elsewhere. Due to the widespread need for technical writing across various industries, there will always be a demand for these skilled professionals.
As a new technical writer, you would likely start in an entry-level position, such as an associate or junior technical writer. However, with time and experience, you can progress to more senior roles within the field.
As a new technical writer, you would likely start in an entry-level position, such as an associate or junior technical writer. However, with time and experience, you can progress to more senior roles within the field.
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benefits of working for randstad as a technical writer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a technical writer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
technical writer skills and education
Most technical writers have a college education, often holding a bachelor's degree in fields such as English, journalism, communications, or a related area. Some colleges even offer courses specifically focused on technical writing and documentation. However, having a degree in a writing-related field alone may not be sufficient to secure a technical writing position. Technical writers need to be subject matter experts in the industries they work in, making experience a crucial factor.
While most employers prefer candidates with a college education, it is not always an absolute requirement. A robust portfolio of freelance writing work can be used to secure a technical writing position. It's even possible to be noticed for exceptional writing and communication skills while working in a completely different job within a company and be offered a technical writing role.
Additionally, some accredited universities offer technical writing boot camps or certifications that can enhance your skills and improve your chances of landing a technical writing job upon completion of the program.
skills and competencies
Regardless of the field in which one receives their education, all technical writers must possess a specific set of skills, including:
- writing skills: Great technical writers demonstrate a strong command of grammar, punctuation, and writing conventions. They should be able to convey information clearly and concisely.
- communication skills: It is important for technical writers to understand their audiences and to have the ability to break down complex subject matters into easily understandable and digestible terms.
- attention to detail: Accuracy is paramount in technical writing. Technical writers are expected to produce error-free documents, both in terms of grammar and the subject matter they are addressing.
- subject matter expertise: Technical writers should have a deep understanding of the subject they are writing about. This requires a solid foundation of knowledge in the industry or field they specialize in, allowing them to effectively communicate technical information to their audiences.
- collaboration and teamwork skills: Technical writers often work closely with other departments and subject matter experts within a company. They need to collaborate effectively, gather information, and integrate feedback from various stakeholders to produce comprehensive and well-rounded documents.
- research abilities: Technical writers should possess strong research skills. It is important that they be proficient in finding reliable and accurate information related to the product or idea they are documenting.
- visual communication skills: Incorporating visual elements, such as photographs, illustrations, or charts, can enhance the clarity and understanding of technical content. Familiarity with visual communication tools and the ability to present information visually can be an added advantage for technical writers.
By honing these essential skills, technical writers can excel in their roles and effectively communicate complex information to their intended audience.
FAQs about working as a technical writer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about technical writers
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do I need a degree to be a technical writer?
While most technical writers have a degree (and many employers prefer it), it’s not absolutely necessary. Experience in a particular industry and proven writing and communication skills are the most important factors. Additionally, some accredited universities offer online certification courses in technical writing.
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is being a technical writer a good job?
Technical writers often enjoy great benefits packages and solid pay, especially if they work for larger companies in the tech sector. Because technical writers are needed in so many industries, there is a high level of job security. Technical writers also usually don’t have to work overtime or on weekends.
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will AI (artificial intelligence) impact the market for technical writers?
Because technical writers need to be able to empathize with their target audiences to understand their needs, and because they need to collaborate with many other humans who have different specialties, AI is unlikely to ever replace technical writers. In fact, quite the opposite: AI may prove to be a helpful tool for technical writers that can increase their efficiency at their jobs.
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can I work remotely as a technical writer?
Whether a technical writing position is remote, in-office, or a mixture of both will depend entirely on the company and on the kind of technical writing you’re doing. Some technical writers need to be more hands-on and need to collaborate frequently with others, so they may need to be in an office environment more.
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is technical writing a fun job?
Technical writing can be a very satisfying job if you’re working in a field that you’re passionate about. Since technical writers are needed across many industries, you can look for positions in fields you enjoy and have experience in. For example, if you love video games, have some knowledge of computer coding and are a strong writer, you can try to look for a technical writing job with a video game company.
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how do I find a job as a technical writer?
Applying for a technical writer job is easy create a Randstad profile and search our technical writer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
