Careers in Technical Writing

Introduction


Careers in technical writing involve preparing supporting documents such as manuals, flowcharts, online customer service guides, and how-to guides, to communicate complex information more simplistically.[1] Technical writers might specialize in one field, such as software reporting or medical writing. They spend much of their time gathering, disseminating, and developing technical information within a company. Technical writing jobs range from entry-level to senior-level. Technical writers help communicate technical language to users. Their writing is applicable in business, healthcare, science, technology, government and advertising.[7]

Skills
Along with strong writing and communication skills, technical writers must be proficient in online publishing software and programs. Attention to detail, editing, research skills, problem solving and the ability to work under strict deadlines are also important skills to have as a technical writer.[4] The production of video and audio for the internet might be required for some positions.

Work Environment
As a technical writer, you may work on a team, alone, or both. Your work space might be a cubicle, your home or shared between both spaces. Most of your time will be spent using a computer for correspondence, design, and research. You may travel for meetings or research. You could be hired directly by the companies that use your services, or work on a freelance basis and be paid per assignment.[1]

Experience
Internships and specific classroom projects, such as creating a user-friendly document, can help technical writers gain experience before entering the workforce. Experience with a technical subject (computer science, internet design, or engineering)[3] and becoming a subject matter expert in an area of interest are also beneficial.

Education
Most technical writers have a bachelor's degree in English, communications or a related field. There are masters and PhD programs available. The Society for Technical Communication (STC) offers live webinars and conferences for those interested in expanding their knowledge. STC also offers certifications for technical writers.[2]

There are variations in the teaching approach to technical writing. According to Jack Bushnell, a professor at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, "A technical writing student who understands the power of technical communication to influence perceptions and behavior in the workplace, and in the culture at large, will therefore have an advantage over the student who has simply been taught to be a practitioner."[6] He believes that students should be learning skepticism, critical- thinking and paradigm breaking, not only the discipline of technical writing. Scott Warnock (Drexel University) and Michael Kahh introduce the term expressive/exploratory technical writing into their curriculum. They define this as the use of informal, self-directed writing to problem-solve in technical writing.[8]

It is important to research an academic program to ensure the program's goals align with your own.

Competencies
According to research done by Brumberger and Lauer, the most significant competencies a technical writer should have are visual communication, research, subject matter familiarity, working with subject matter experts, and usability testing.[9]

Income
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for a technical writer in 2017 was $70,930. The annual median has steadily increased over the past few years.[5]

Companies That Hire
Software development companies and engineering companies commonly hire technical writers. With the growth and advancement of technology, many companies need technical writers to effectively communicate technical documents to users. Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 11% from 2016 to 2026. [3]

The largest employers of technical writers in 2016 were as follows:[2]