Career Guide
Technical writer
If you possess exceptional writing skills and a talent for organizing content, excel at simplifying complex information and are well-versed in technical subjects, you may want to consider the technical writer career path.
If you possess exceptional writing skills and a talent for organizing content, excel at simplifying complex information and are well-versed in technical subjects, you may want to consider a future in the technical writer career path.
Career overview
Technical writers create documents — manuals, guides, white papers and articles — to simplify complex information. Their duties may include understanding user needs, collaborating with product teams, writing and revising content, incorporating multimedia elements and standardizing information across various platforms. They work in both print and digital formats, aid technical support staff and end-users and continually gather user feedback to improve their work. Once they’ve launched a product, technical writers collaborate with experts to enhance the user experience.
Approximately 53,300 technical writers were employed nationally in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Most technical writers are employed by companies, while some work as freelancers. The largest employers of professionals in technical writer roles are companies specializing in professional, scientific and technical services; manufacturing; and administrative and support services. Freelancers are either self-employed or work for technical consulting firms. States like California and Texas have a high concentration of technical writing jobs due to the presence of numerous information technology and technical research companies.
What to expect
Salary range
$62 - 102K
$62K
$102K
Technical writers within the 25th to 75th percentile earned salaries ranging from $62,060 to $102,260 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
Projected growth (2022-2032)
3,700 jobs
National job opportunities for technical writers are projected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, BLS reports.[1]
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Related job titles
User experience (UX) writer
Proposal writer
Editor
Public relations specialist
Journalist
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2022-2032 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Challenges
While a career as a technical writer has many benefits, it can also present some challenges. For those working in tech and science spaces, it can be important to stay up-to-date with evolving technologies and complex technical information, necessitating ongoing learning and adaptation. Technical writers must also navigate the fine line between clarity and thoroughness, ensuring technical documentation is easily understood without oversimplifying crucial details. Additionally, they often work under tight deadlines and must manage multiple projects simultaneously. Collaboration with subject matter experts may be challenging, especially when dealing with different communication styles and expertise levels. Lastly, the need for precision and accuracy in technical documentation leaves little room for error, requiring a high level of attention to detail and rigorous review.
Advantages
Despite these challenges, helping others understand and use complex technical information can be fulfilling for professionals in this field. Technical writers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between a complicated product and its users, making their work highly impactful. With every piece they write, they contribute to the dissemination of knowledge, ensuring that products enhance rather than frustrates their users. The continuous learning and dynamic work environment offer a rewarding pathway for professionals passionate about communication. This career also offers a diverse range of opportunities, from traditional industries such as finance and healthcare to emerging fields like artificial intelligence and virtual reality. This diversity allows technical writers to gain experience in various domains and continuously refine their skills.
What to expect
Salary range
$62 - 102K
$62K
$102K
Technical writers within the 25th to 75th percentile earned salaries ranging from $62,060 to $102,260 in 2023, according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
Projected growth (2022-2032)
3,700 jobs
National job opportunities for technical writers are projected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, BLS reports.[1]
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Related job titles
User experience (UX) writer
Proposal writer
Editor
Public relations specialist
Journalist
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2022-2032 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
About our source
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that serves as part of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. Find out more: https://www.bls.gov/bls/about-bls.htm
Career-relevant knowledge and skills
Technical writers may need to demonstrate foundational knowledge in the following areas while on the job:
- English language
- Rhetoric
- Grammar
- Syntax
- Content strategy
- Content management
- Document production
- Branding
- Document analysis
- Content analysis
- Thematic analysis
- Social media analysis
- Social media content proposal
- Social media content planning
- Social media posts
In their daily tasks, technical writers may also need the following skills:
- Influencing skills
- Interpersonal communications
- Presentation skills
- Persuasive communication
- Technical communication
- Content development
- Content revision
- Content editing
- Proofreading
- Technical writing
- Proposal writing
- Creative writing
- Explication
- Consulting
- Decision making
- Connecting ideas
- Cultural competency
Soft skills
Soft skills are interpersonal and personal attributes that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Possessing soft skills like collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, organization and curiosity can be an asset in the technical writer career path.
Education and experience
For those who aspire to enter the technical writing profession, there are certain academic credentials and work experience that can help you reach your goals. Below, you'll find a few key steps you can take to prepare for a career as a technical writer.
[2] Please note that the Bachelor of Science in Communications program offered by University of Phoenix is not designed to lead to the technical writer career outcome.
Create a portfolio showcasing your technical writing abilities. Include samples of user guides, instruction manuals, white papers, software documentation and any other technical materials you have created.
Look for internships, volunteer opportunities or entry-level jobs that offer hands-on experience in technical writing. Some technical writers start out as specialists or research assistants.
Career enhancement
Achieving your initial goals could be just the beginning of an exciting career journey. As a working professional, embracing lifelong learning can help you enhance your knowledge and skills and prepare for new opportunities.
As you progress in your technical writing career, opportunities for growth include positions such as documentation manager, director of documentation or vice president of content/knowledge management. Alternatively, you could pursue roles in more specialized areas like technical editor, user experience (UX) writer or localization specialist.
Here are a few tips for advancing within the technical writer career path:
- Seek certification: Pursue certification from associations like the Society for Technical Communication to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.[3]
- Expand your skill set: Develop supplementary skills such as project management, usability testing or UX design, which are highly valued in technical writer roles.
- Specialize in a niche: Focus on a specific industry — like computer science — or type of technical documentation, such as software documentation, medical writing or legal writing, to become an expert in that area.
- Network: Join professional organizations like the American Medical Writers Association and National Association of Science Writers to connect with other technical writers, attend workshops and stay updated on industry trends.
- Pursue advanced education: Obtain a master's degree in technical communication or a related field to deepen your knowledge and enhance your qualifications.
[3] Please note that University of Phoenix programs do not specifically prepare for certification in technical writing.
Programs
At University of Phoenix, we offer one undergraduate program that leads to the technical writer career outcome. Our bachelor's programs are tailored to accommodate your busy schedule, offering the flexibility to take one course at a time in five-week intervals. Learn more about our Bachelor of Arts in English program — focused on teaching you the skills you’ll need in your career — and how it can help you reach your goals.
Bachelor of Arts in English
The Bachelor of Arts in English program is designed to prepare graduates to apply critical thinking, relevant theory and analysis to written works. Students will also conduct research, create content and receive, deliver and incorporate feedback that demonstrates cultural and situational awareness. As part of this program, students create a culminating portfolio of work that showcases their career-relevant skills.
In this program, you'll learn how to:
- Develop knowledge related to foundations in literature, writing, research and rhetoric
- Apply relevant theory and research to the analysis and critique of written works
- Create original written work that responds to a specific purpose and audience
- Integrate feedback to revise and enhance written works
To earn this degree, you will need to complete 120 credits through general education, core, focus study and elective courses. This program is designed to be three years and 11 months in length.
How can University of Phoenix support me in pursuing my career goals?
Students and graduates can access our Career Navigator tools, which can help you evaluate career options, track career-relevant skills and discover job postings suited to your needs. From resumé building and interview preparation to networking and mentorship, University of Phoenix offers career services for life to all students and graduates. Dive deeper into our career services, resources and tools to find out how we can help you reach your goals.
