What is a Technical Writer Job?
A technical writer is a professional who is responsible for creating and producing technical documents, manuals, and guides. These documents are developed for various purposes, including software manuals, user guides, technical specifications, and training materials. Technical writer jobs involve creating clear and concise documentation that is easy for users to understand and follow. Technical writers work in many different industries, including software development, engineering, and healthcare.
What do Technical Writers Usually Do in This Position?
Technical writers are responsible for creating a wide range of technical documentation. They collaborate with other professionals, such as engineers, software developers, and subject matter experts, to gather information and create user-friendly content. Technical writers must be able to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into plain language that users can easily understand. They also work with graphics and multimedia to create engaging and informative documents.
Top 5 Skills for Technical Writer Jobs
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to quickly learn technical concepts and terminology
- Experience with authoring tools, such as Adobe FrameMaker or MadCap Flare
- Ability to work collaboratively with subject matter experts and other professionals
How to Become a Technical Writer Specialist
To become a technical writer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Some technical writers may also have a background in a specific technical field, such as engineering or computer science. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with experience in technical writing or a related field. Technical writers can also benefit from professional certification, such as the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) designation.
Average Salary for Technical Writer Jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for technical writers was $72,850 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as industry, experience, and location.
Roles and Types of Technical Writer Jobs
Technical writers work in many different industries and roles. Some technical writers specialize in creating user manuals and documentation for software companies, while others may work in healthcare to create patient education materials. Technical writers may also work as freelance writers or consultants. Some common job titles in the field of technical writing include technical editor, technical communicator, content strategist, and information developer.
Locations with the Most Popular Technical Writer Jobs in USA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top states for technical writer jobs in the United States are California, Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Washington. These states have a high concentration of technical writing jobs due to the large number of technology and healthcare companies located there.
What are the Typical Tools Used in Technical Writing?
Technical writers use a variety of tools to create and manage their documentation. Some common authoring tools include Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, and Microsoft Word. Technical writers may also use graphic design tools such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign to create visuals for their documents. Collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams or Slack are also commonly used to communicate with other professionals and work on documents together.
In Conclusion
Technical writing is a growing field that offers many opportunities for professionals with strong writing and technical skills. Technical writers are responsible for creating clear and concise documentation that is easy for users to understand and follow. They work in many different industries and may specialize in creating different types of technical documentation. To succeed in this field, technical writers need to have strong writing and editing skills, the ability to quickly learn technical concepts, and experience with authoring tools and collaboration software.