Technical Writers
Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
Is technical writers a good career?
It scores 18/100 and ranks #399 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($90,390 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+0.9%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What technical writers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. technical writers earn between $70,880 and $115,510 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live technical writers jobs
How to become a technical writer
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Employers generally prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field. Technical writing jobs may require candidates to have knowledge of a technical field, such as engineering or computer and information technology.
Training
Many technical writers need short-term on-the-job training to adapt their narrative style to a descriptive style of writing.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some associations offer certification for technical writers. Although not mandatory, these credentials demonstrate competence and professionalism, making candidates more attractive to employers. A professional credential also may increase a technical writer’s opportunities for advancement.
Advancement
Prospects for advancement generally include working on projects that are more complex and leading or training junior staff.
Important qualities
Critical-thinking skills. Technical writers must be able to simplify complex, technical information for colleagues and consumers who have nontechnical backgrounds.
Detail oriented. Technical writers create instructions for others to follow. As a result, they must be precise about every step.
Imagination. Technical writers must think about a procedure or product as if they are someone who does not have technical knowledge.
Teamwork. Technical writers must be able to work well with other writers, designers, editors, illustrators, and the technical workers whose procedure or product they are explaining.
Technical skills. Technical writers must be able to understand complex information. Technical writers may benefit from a background in fields such as engineering or science.
Writing skills. Technical communicators must have excellent writing skills to be able to explain technical information clearly.
Related occupations
How much do technical writers make?
The national median wage is $90,390 a year, with the middle half earning between $70,880 and $115,510 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is technical writers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 18 of 100 and ranks #399 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +0.9% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a technical writer?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do technical writers earn the most?
Among states, New Jersey pays the highest median ($122,320). Local pay for every state and metro is below.