Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Technical Writers
SOC: 27-3042 O*NET: 27-3042.00
Median Salary
$91,670
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.9%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
What does a Technical Writers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$54,400
10th percentile
Early Career
$68,640
25th percentile
Median
$91,670
50th percentile
Experienced
$102,740
75th percentile
Top Earners
$130,430
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$54,400
25th
$68,640
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$91,670
Mean: $92,330
75th
$102,740
90th
$130,430
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $76,030 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $68,640 and $102,740
- •Salary spread is 37.2% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 55,530 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:56,400
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33.5%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33.5%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services13.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.9%
Annual Openings:4,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)56,400
Current
2034 (Projected)56,900
+0.9%
+500
Employment Change
+0.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Technical Writers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
California
13,210 jobs$100,4402.03x
Texas
3,670 jobs$79,0600.74x
Florida
2,590 jobs$80,8400.73x
Virginia
2,520 jobs$84,0001.72x
New York
2,030 jobs$82,9800.59x
North Carolina
2,000 jobs$87,3301.13x
Colorado
1,820 jobs$103,9601.75x
Maryland
1,770 jobs$98,3501.78x
Massachusetts
1,750 jobs$102,6401.34x
Georgia
1,710 jobs$72,4400.98x
Washington
1,680 jobs$93,2301.32x
Ohio
1,570 jobs$70,6400.79x
Pennsylvania
1,390 jobs$78,9700.64x
New Jersey
1,350 jobs$86,9900.88x
Minnesota
1,210 jobs$76,7701.15x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Writing
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Critical Thinking
74%
#6
Active Learning
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Time Management
54%
#9
Coordination
46%
#10
Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Writing
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Learning
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Time Management
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Writing
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Air Traffic Controllers82%
5 shared skills
Brokerage Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Sustainability Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists82%
5 shared skills
Desktop Publishers82%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronics Drafters82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Active Learning
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Technical Writers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechGitHub
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechAtlassian JIRA
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
GitHub
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Atlassian JIRA
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Structured query language SQL
Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Visual Basic
Adobe Acrobat
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
15
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (9)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (4)
1
Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •47% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Technical Writers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Technical Writers professionals typically have a CAI Holland code and highly value working conditions
CConventional
AArtistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Technical Writers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.74
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.64
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.25
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.20
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.20
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.19
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.6
Integrity
4.3
Cooperation
4.2
Initiative
4.2
Independence
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Persistence
4.0
Self-Control
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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