Curious about technical writing? It’s an exciting, rewarding career that can open many doors. So, what does a technical writer job entail?
Put simply, a technical writer creates user-friendly documentation that explains complex technical information in a way that’s easy to understand. This can include instruction manuals, documentation, and other technical content that must be easy for a non-expert to understand.
Technical writing jobs are plentiful and found in a variety of industries. From software engineering to blockchain technology, you might find yourself writing code, designing user manuals, creating training materials, and more. What’s more, technical writers can earn a good salary, depending on experience and certifications.
This article will look at some of the best technical writing jobs, their average salaries, the qualifications needed to apply, and who’s hiring in 2023. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Technical writer
Technical writers translate complex ideas and jargon into easily understood language. The demand for technical writers is growing, offering ample opportunities for qualified candidates. While entry-level roles need two to three years of experience, proper certification can make up for some of it.
Remote technical writing jobs are often available for full-time, part-time, or freelance positions. Technical writers can advance to senior technical writer positions or management roles, depending on the company.
Average salary: $65,329 per year
Education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, business, journalism, or communications, or a specialized field like engineering, information technology, or computer science
- Certifications, such as the Certified Technical Professional (CTP) or Certified Professional Technical Communicator-Expert (CPTC) (optional, to increase salary potential)
Skills and experience needed:
- Conversational intelligence
- Rational thinking
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Writing
- Editing
- Web design basics
2. Technical editor
A technical editor is responsible for reviewing and revising technical documents, white papers, and user guides. They might work closely with subject matter experts, stakeholders, product managers, and software development teams to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
Technical editing is an ideal career for anyone with an eye for detail and a passion for writing. A strong aptitude for technology and excellent written and verbal communication skills are also key.
An entry-level technical editor position usually requires at least two to four years of experience in technical writing or a related field, including job titles like editor or copyeditor. Technical editors must have excellent writing, analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills to create high-quality documentation.
Average salary: $61,717 per year
Education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field
- Additional certifications and specialized training (optional, to increase salary potential)
Skills and experience needed:
- English
- Proofreading
- Analysis
- Problem-solving
- Organization
- Writing and verbal communication
- Collaboration
3. Policy writer
Policy writers research, write, and update a company’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements. Their job is to create a clear roadmap for how things should operate within an organization. They may also analyze existing policies, propose new ones, and collaborate with different departments to develop effective strategies for implementing and enforcing regulations.
Average salary: $63,462 per year
Education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, business, or political science
- Certifications, such as the Certified Technical Professional (CTP) or Certified Professional Technical Communicator-Expert (CPTC) (optional, to increase salary potential)
Skills and experience needed:
- Research
- Knowledge of policy writing formats
- Understanding of legal terminology
- Excellent writing and communication
- Ability to work independently
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
4. Proposal writer
These professionals help clients win contracts, get financial grants, or obtain permissions from governing bodies. For example, a renewable energy company might hire a proposal writer to request permission from their local government to build a wind farm in a certain area.
The writer’s job is to include all the right information in the proposal and ensure it’s persuasive. This makes communication skills an important key to success. Proposal writing can be on a part-time or full-time basis, and it typically requires a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or a related field.
Average salary: $68,706 per year
Skills and experience needed:
- Subject expertise
- Business development
- Attention to detail
- Writing
- Communication
5. Contracts representative
Wondering how a contracts rep fits into technical writing? This role involves preparing and reviewing legal documents to ensure they comply with governmental laws. As such, understanding contract law is crucial for a contracts representative, as well as comprehensive knowledge of contracts and legal nuances.
In most cases, you’ll just need a bachelor’s degree in finance, law, contracts, marketing, or a related field to land this job.
Average salary: $69,000 per year
Skills and experience needed:
- Proposal preparation
- Contract administration
- Analysis
- Math
- Negotiating
6. Content strategist
A company’s media messaging is key to the brand’s image and visibility. Content strategy involves planning content, conducting content audits, and ensuring it aligns with the company’s goals and brand image.
A content strategist enhances and maintains this by coming up with engaging content. They research and analyze what content benefits their organization and plan ways to implement it. To engage the right audiences effectively, they must deeply understand their target audience and stay current on digital media trends.
Average salary: $93,672 per year
Education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field
- SEO certifications, such as a Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (optional to supplement a bachelor’s degree)
Skills and experience needed:
- Research
- Writing
- Content management systems
- Social media marketing
- Analysis and problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
- Ability to work independently
7. UX writer
User experience (UX) is an ever-evolving field with increasing importance in the tech industry. UX writers curate digital product content, guiding users through websites and apps by creating effective user interfaces. These professionals plan, write, edit, and optimize copy to help users interact with their company’s product.
If you’re creative and have excellent writing and communication skills, this might be the job for you. You’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree in product design, engineering, journalism, or a relevant field to get into an entry-level UX role.
Average salary: $118,555 per year
Skills and experience needed:
- Understanding of information architecture
- Understanding of content strategy
- SEO
- Copywriting and editing
- Data analysis
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Organization
8. Content editor
A content editor reviews, proofreads, and edits written materials to ensure they meet company standards. This might include style and tone preferences and ensuring all shared and published content communicates the right message to the public and company stakeholders.
The role goes beyond checking spelling, grammar, and syntax to edit clarity, structure, and readability. Content editors may collaborate with content writers, giving feedback and asking for revisions as needed. They might also contribute to content strategy and conduct content audits for consistency across various channels.
Average salary: $56,596 per year
Education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or a related field
- At least two years of experience as an editor
Skills and experience needed:
- Copywriting
- Proofreading and editing
- Knowledge of web technologies
- Content management systems
- Organization
- Problem-solving
9. Specifications writer
A specifications writer is responsible for documenting the technical requirements, materials, and standards for construction and engineering projects. They work closely with architects, engineers, and other project stakeholders to understand project specifications so they can accurately translate them into written documentation. Part of their job includes ensuring these projects meet industry standards and regulations.
A specifications writer typically needs a bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, or engineering (preferably with a focus on architecture).
Average salary: $72,833 per year
Skills and experience needed:
- Research
- Knowledge of building codes and ordinances
- Databases and customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Organization
- Project management
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Which companies are hiring technical writers on Handshake?
Technical writing skills are highly sought after, and since many of these roles can be done from anywhere, there are plenty of jobs for remote technical writers.
Find employers with open positions for technical writers on Handshake. Join Handshake (https://missouri.joinhandshake.com/) today to find an exciting career opportunity that’s perfect for you!
