Technical Writer
A Technical Writer specializes in creating clear and concise documentation that translates complex technical or scientific concepts into understandable material for a wide audience. These professionals are crucial across various industries, including IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance, where they develop technical manuals, reports, press releases, and other forms of communication. Typically working in office settings, Technical Writers may also operate remotely, leveraging modern technology to complete their tasks.
Their work often involves collaborating with subject-matter experts to ensure accurate representation of information and tailoring content to specific audiences. Technical Writers not only engage in the writing process but also conduct research and may work with illustrators to create comprehensive documents. A strong educational background in fields such as engineering, English, or communication is common, with many Technical Writers holding bachelor's degrees. Interpersonal and technological skills are essential for success in this role, as they often interact with professionals from various disciplines to achieve effective communication.
Technical Writer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction, Arts, A/V Technology & Communications, Information Technology, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Writing, education, communications, science, technology, engineering & mathematics
Earnings (Yearly Median): $79,960 per year $38.44 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 7% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience Less than five years
On-the-job-Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Technical writers write articles, papers, reports, manuals, and other documentation about technical or scientific concepts. Technical writers can translate complex data and issues into informational material that is concise and easily understood by a broad reading audience. These individuals help companies in various industries in the development and maintenance of business-wide communications. Technical writers are essential figures in scientific, engineering, and similar arenas, as they are responsible for developing and writing technical manuals, press releases, and product brochures.
Work Environment. Technical writers typically work in office settings at corporate headquarters, government agencies, and other professional environments. Because their area of focus is technical, writers frequently spend much time working in information technology (IT), engineering, or similar departments. Technical writers are needed by computer software and hardware manufacturers, medical equipment manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, financial or insurance companies, and any company that needs to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience. Technical writers might be hired full-time or on a temporary or contract basis. Due to the increased availability of laptops, smartphones, and other mobile technology, many technical writers can perform their tasks virtually anywhere.
Occupation Interest. Technical writers can write about topics of a scientific, medical, technical, financial, or otherwise complex nature. More importantly, they can break down this information into language that uninitiated audiences can comprehend. Although technical writers have long been used to write technical manuals and reports, they are increasingly being called on to help organizations build and develop their own systems of interdepartmental communication. Furthermore, technical writers have the potential to work as freelance writers, picking and choosing projects on which to work. Freelancers also have the ability to work from home or in other locations away from the confines of a professional office environment. Finally, technical writers enjoy studying scientific, engineering, or other complex concepts and structures.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Technical writers write, coordinate, and distribute technical information. They may do so within an organization, for a new product release, or for an employee-training initiative. Technical writers usually write for a specific audience, using simple, concise language that end users can understand. Their individual responsibilities vary depending on the organization that has commissioned the work, which may be a hardware or software manufacturer, an equipment manufacturer, a government office, or a financial or insurance company, among others.
To begin, technical writers work with subject-matter experts (SMEs) or domain experts to familiarize themselves with the information that needs to be communicated, understand the audience or reader, and work with the company to determine the best format for communicating the information, be it in an electronic or print format. Before starting any project, knowing what is being communicated, how, and to whom is critical to its success.
Throughout the process, technical writers may confer with SMEs as needed. They may conduct research in catalogs, online, and through interviews to better understand the product or concept being communicated. Once this information and data are gathered, technical writers assemble the document, write the content, and possibly collaborate with a technical illustrator to produce a final document with text and graphics.
When the final document is complete, the technical writer works with the client or publisher to make modifications and corrections where necessary. Technical writers may be called on to assist in a company’s external communications activities. In this capacity, they write press releases and promotional materials for distribution among would-be customers.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Technical writers typically work in well-ventilated, clean office environments. Many technical writers work as contractors from their home offices. Technical writers may also travel to libraries, manufacturing facilities, and other venues for research.
Human Environment. Technical writers work closely with other technical personnel, such as engineers, programmers, IT professionals, and scientists. They might also interact with other professionals, including publication managers, corporate executives, and officers. Successful technical writers are valued for their ability to get information from technical personnel and communicate it to non-technical end users. Interpersonal skills are essential to their success.
Technological Environment. Technical writers are expected to quickly understand the technical systems and equipment about which they are writing. Additionally, they must be competent in the systems and software they use to write these documents, including laptop and wireless technology, scanners, and office, publishing, and graphic design software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students are encouraged to take journalism and other courses that emphasize writing. Participation in the school newspaper is also valuable. Students also benefit from computer science courses, which expose them to programming languages, software platforms, and hardware and software products that technical writers may need to know. Furthermore, high school students may take science, industrial arts, and other courses that build their abilities to analyze complex systems and concepts.
Postsecondary. Most technical writers receive a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, such as engineering or in English, journalism, or communication. Undergraduates in this field should also take courses in computer science and similar disciplines to increase their professional capabilities.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Technical Writers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2023.