What does a Technical Writer do?
Technical Writers typically work for companies that manufacture complex machinery, appliances or tools and write manuals for their products. Others work for themselves as freelancers and get hired for individual writing assignments. They’re responsible for writing clear, easy-to-understand manuals and guides for installers or laypeople to use when receiving their new product.
Technical Writer skills and qualifications
Technical Writers need familiarity with topic-based writing and structured content in line with the company’s goals. Technical Writers possess exceptional skills in selecting the appropriate medium for the target audience, such as manuals, online videos and graphics.
Here are some general skills and qualifications a Technical Writer needs:
- Fluency in technical and common office software
- Ability to pay attention to details
- Written and oral communication skills
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to take on new challenges and build on current skills
- Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking skills
- Ability to multi-task and be a self-starter
- Ability to check all technical material for consistency and accuracy
Technical Writer salary expectations
The average salary for a Technical Writer is $57,200 per year in the United States, with a potential $2,000 cash bonus per year. Salary may depend on the level of experience, education and geographical location.
Technical Writer salary expectations
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Common salary:
38.65 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
10.95 -83.15 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Technical Writer education and training requirements
Technical Writers are generally required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, business administration or technical writing. A high school diploma is mandatory. Software and IT companies may ask for specific training or college credits in a specialized area, possibly with the ability to code.
Technical Writer experience requirements
The experience requirements for a Technical Writer vary depending on the company’s products and goals. Most companies will require 2-5 years of experience as a Writer, particularly creating content for non-technical users about the internet, consumer tech, web publishing or a related field.
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