How to Find a Great Technical Writing Job Today

The Job Outlook is Positive

The number of technical writing Jobs will continue to increase through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.

As of 2022, the number of technical documentation jobs will grow by 3% over the next 10 years, again according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is expected to come primarily from the continued expansion of online information products and services.

There are currently about 5,450 job openings for technical writers across the United States. These numbers are projected to rise to about 6,200 by 2021, and 7,100 by 2031.

New Positions Needed Due To Retirement Of Older Workers

As workers with technical skills retire, there will be fewer people qualified to fill those roles. For example, the average age of technical communicators is 47.6. By 2031, it is projected that there will be about 4,300 vacancies for technical writers.

These figures do not include the approximately 2,700 open positions in health care and social assistance.

Technical Writing Jobs Are Waiting for You

Healthcare is one of the most exciting industries out there. If you enjoy working with people and subject matter experts, learning new things and making a difference, it might be the perfect career path for you. In fact, according to Indeed.com, healthcare is the second highest paying job category in America.

There will always be demand for quality technical writers in this industry who can write for non-technical audiences. Companies like Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft rely heavily on technical communicators to help keep their products running smoothly. They write everything from software manuals to patient education materials.

If you want to make a big impact in this field, consider specializing in health care (more about this later on in this post). You could even go into medical transcription, where you type up doctor notes and send them to doctors. Or maybe you’d prefer to focus on nursing. Either way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in this growing sector.

How Much Training Is Needed to Become a Technical Writer?

Most technical writers have some college education. However, there is no minimum requirement for this position. Many people who start out with only a high school diploma. Others may have a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree. The important thing is that you have an interest in learning more about your field.

If you want to become a technical writer, you can get started by taking courses at community colleges or local universities. These classes usually cover basic grammar rules, punctuation, and sentence structure. You can also learn about different types of writing styles and how to communicate effectively with different audiences.

Once you feel comfortable with these basics, you can move on to more advanced training programs. There are many options available, including certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Online courses are another option, but they tend to be less structured than traditional classroom settings.

Once you finish your coursework, you will need to apply for jobs. Most companies hire technical writers through staffing agencies. These firms place job seekers with various employers based on their skills and experience. Jobs vary widely depending on the industry and company. It is possible to find work as a technical writer even if you do not have any previous experience.

The Bottom Line

Technical writing is one of the most popular careers today. As long as you have a passion for learning and communicating technical content, you can make a good living doing this kind of work.

The Tasks that Freelance Technical Writers Perform

Technical writers often work independently, writing documentation for software developers. They are responsible for explaining complex concepts and technologies to people who use those systems every day. In addition to writing user guides and how-to guides, interview clients, and manage projects. Some freelance writers even provide training sessions for companies looking to hire someone else to do what they used to do themselves.

There are several different types of technical writing jobs, such as copywriting, technical editing, and technical communication. Each type of job has its own set of skills and requirements. If you want to become a technical writer, it helps to understand the differences among the types of technical writing positions.

What Technical Writers Must be Able To Do

Technical writing is one of those jobs that many people think are easy to learn, but it takes practice and experience to become proficient.

A technical writer must be able to write software documentation, operations guides, installation guides, online documentation, specifications, manuals, white papers, web content, and even training materials and style guides, depending on the specific company you work for.

You might work directly with engineers, product managers, graphic artists, marketers, salespeople, customer support representatives, and others. In some cases, you might be responsible for creating documents that will go out over email or social media.

In addition to writing, all writers must of course know their grammar and style rules, vocabulary, and formatting requirements. They often use specialized tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and PowerPoint.

Selected Technical Writing Tasks

• Create and edit technical documents (specifications, design documents, integration guides, even journal articles, etc.)
• Write articles on topics related to technology
• Edit technical books and magazines
• Provide technical assistance to customers
• Work and meet with internal teams
• Work with marketing teams to develop new products
• Support engineering staff with technical questions
• Develop instructional videos and animations
• Manage project timelines and budgets
• Conduct interviews

Technical Writing Jobs That Will Help You Earn More Freelance Writing Income

There are many different ways to make money online. From blogging to selling products, there are plenty of options out there. However, some of the most popular methods of making money online involve writing. If you want to start earning money through writing, here are 13 technical writing jobs that will help you do just that.

1. Content Marketer

Content marketers write articles about topics related to technology, marketing, and sales. They often focus on how to use certain software to improve productivity. This job requires extensive research, so it takes a lot of patience. You’ll probably spend much of your day reading up on trending news stories and searching for relevant keywords.

2. Copywriter

Copywriters write copy for blogs, eBooks, landing pages, social media posts, etc. They usually specialize in one specific field such as travel, health, or finance. As a copywriter, you’re responsible for crafting engaging text that encourages readers to learn more about a particular topic.

3. Editor

Editors review content written by writers and ensure that it meets publishing guidelines. Editors typically work for large companies like tech startups, educational institutions, and publications. They must be detail-oriented people who love grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Make Sure You’re Aware of the Right Mix of Skills

Technical writer jobs are plentiful, but finding one that fits your skill set can be difficult. In fact, there are over 200 different types of tech writing positions out there. So what does it take to find the right fit? Here are some tips to make sure you’re prepared for the interview process.

1. Master the Basics

Before applying for any technical writing job, make sure you have mastered the basics. For example, if you don’t know how to code, then you won’t be qualified for an entry level developer position. The same goes for other basic skills like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

2. Learn About the Industry

If you’re looking for a technical writing job at a company that develops apps, games, websites, or other digital products, then you need to understand the industry. What makes these products unique? How do they solve problems? What are their target audiences? These questions will help you craft better product descriptions and user guides.

3. Know Your Audience

If you’re going after a job at a company that sells hardware, then you ‘ll need to know your audience. Who uses the products you’re describing? Are they male or female? Do they live in urban areas or rural ones? Knowing all of this information will allow you to tailor your writing to appeal to the intended audience.

4. Be Familiar With Different Types of Tech Writing Positions

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you should also familiarize yourself with different types of tech writing jobs. Some of them require specialized knowledge while others may not. For example, a technical writer might be required to know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. But a technical editor is expected to know only English grammar rules.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, practice makes perfect. It’s important to get comfortable speaking in front of a camera before applying for a technical writing job. You’ll want to record yourself explaining something so you can listen back to it later. This way, you can see where you went wrong and correct those mistakes.

Lots of Remote Jobs for Technical Writers

The majority of technology writing positions today are classified as either full-time or part-time remote technical writer jobs. This includes everything from product documentation to software development. These types of writing roles require a lot of flexibility and mobility. They often involve travel, long hours, and sometimes even living out of a suitcase. However, there are many benefits to being a freelance writer. You can choose what projects you want to take on, set your own schedule, and work anywhere in the world.

Freelancing is the preferred way for many tech writers. Many prefer to freelance because it allows them to work remotely. A freelancer doesn’t have to worry about commuting or office politics. In addition, most companies don’t pay benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. So, why wouldn’t someone just start freelancing?

There are over 7,000 freelancers working on contract or full-time basis. Freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr allow anyone with an internet connection to become a freelancer. The only requirement is having basic computer skills.

How to Find Technical Writing Jobs Online

Finding a great tech writing position isn’t easy. But if you know where to look, you’ll find hundreds of opportunities at your fingertips. To get started, check out these online resources:

Upwork – This site connects businesses with thousands of freelancers. It’s free to post your project, and you can search through millions of bids from top professionals.

Fiverr – If you need help creating graphics, videos, websites, or other digital products, this is the place to go. Thousands of vendors will bid on your project.

LinkedIn – LinkedIn has several job boards including one specifically for technical writers.

CareerPath – CareerPath helps students and recent graduates find their dream careers. Their career board features thousands of open positions in various industries.

Indeed – Indeed is another popular resource for job seekers. It’s free to use, so you won’t have to spend any money to access its listings.

What Do Technical Writers Do in the Office

Technical writing is a job that requires a lot of creativity, problem solving skills, and communication abilities. A technical writer works across many different departments within a company, including engineering, marketing, customer support, and design. They are responsible for creating documentation and instructional materials to help customers use products and solve problems. This includes everything from written instructions to online tutorials.

A technical writer uses his or her knowledge of software development processes and tools to produce high quality information. He or she needs to understand how to translate complex ideas into clear explanations that anyone can follow. Such writers are often asked to explain concepts in ways that make sense to everyone regardless of their level of expertise.

In addition to being creative, writers must be able to communicate clearly and concisely. They must be able to speak about complex topics in simple terms, and they must know how to ask questions to find out what people really want to know. They must also be comfortable working in teams, collaborating with colleagues, and communicating with clients.

Best Background for the Job

For technical writer jobs, your background matters if you want landing an interview. Interviewers look for people with excellent writing skills whose resumes show they know what they’re doing, and how to present themselves well. A good resume reflects your skills, knowledge, experience, and personality. Make sure your resume highlights your relevant skills and experiences.

Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals who work at companies similar your target employer.

To succeed in sales, it is essential to learn how to sell yourself. In order to stand out amongst other job applicants, focus on what sets you apart. A background check is important prior to applying for any position.

Typical Technical Writer Position

A technical writer’s job includes many things, such as writing product manuals for consumers, providing detailed descriptions of products, and incorporating animation, illustrations, or photographs to make it easier to understand the products.

A technical writer must write about the products, including the specifications, feature, and benefits. He/she should provide safety hazards and important information on electronics not suited for children.

Technical writers must include all necessary information, regardless of whether the consumer buys the product online or offline. If you are looking for a career in technical writing, here are some tips you should know.

Technical Documentation Jobs You Can Try

Technical writing is an important part within any company or organization. Whether you work in IT or marketing, there are numerous technical writing opportunities available. Here are some examples of what you might do:

• Write documentation for software products

• Create training materials

• Edit existing documents

• Answer questions via email, chat or phone

• Proofread text

• Translate technical manuals into multiple languages

Traditional Technical Writing

Technical writing is one of those fields where you might think it’s easy to know what to do, but there’s actually quite a lot to consider. If you want to write on technical topics, technical concepts, and technical specifications that help someone else, you need to understand how they work. You also need to understand the field they work in, so you can communicate effectively. And finally, you need to know some basic rules of grammar and punctuation.

These three points cover most of what you need to know to write effective technical documents. But there’s still plenty more to learn, including topics such as how to use language effectively, what makes a good introduction, and how to make sure your writing is clear and concise.

Writing Professional Reports and Reviews

Technical Writing is a specialized form of professional communication that requires technical knowledge and experience. With the rise of online publishing, technical writing has become increasingly important in today’s world. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for such writers are expected to grow 12% over the next decade.

To succeed in this field, you need to know how to communicate effectively across different audiences. You must learn to speak the language of business and science. And you must master your own personal story.

Writing Scientific Reports, Journal Articles, and Technical Books

Technical writing is an important part in scientific research and it is becoming increasingly common in the field of medicine, too. In fact, technical writing is one of the most sought-after skills among scientists and doctors today. With the rise of digitalization, companies are looking for people who can write about complex topics such as data analysis, computer programming, and mathematics. And because of the high demand, you can make good money doing what you love.

Here are three types of jobs where you can use your writing skills:

1. Scientific papers

There are many opportunities out here. You could work for a university, a government agency, or even a pharmaceutical company. If you want to do something different, you might consider working for a biotech startup. They often offer flexible hours and competitive pay rates.

2. Academic papers

If you like to write about complex topics, academic papers are probably the best option for you. These are usually written for college students and professors. However, some universities now accept applications directly from postgraduate students.

3. Technical Books

If you have strong writing skills, you may be able to get a job writing books for technical subjects. There are lots of publishers out there who will hire you to write about anything related to technology.

Want to Become a Technical Editor?

Technical editing helps writers improve their pieces by ensuring everything is accurate and clear. In addition to checking grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting, technical editors must make sure that the information presented makes sense and is easy to understand. They do this by reading over the article multiple times and asking questions to ensure it’s complete and accurate.

There are many different types of technical editing positions available. Some companies hire full-time technical editors while others contract out work to freelancers. If you’re interested in working as a technical editor, check out job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor to see what opportunities are available in your area.

End-User Documentation Writers

End-user documentation writers are hired by companies to write manuals for documentation of their products. Knowing how to use dedicated documentation publishing software (like MadCap Flare, RoboHelp, Affinity Publisher, or FrameMaker) is a definite plus in hiring. They must know what the product is and how it works. This type of writing differs from technical writing because end-users don’t care about the technology behind the product. Instead, they want to understand how to use it.

These high-quality documentation writers must know what the products do and why it works the ways it does. They must also be able to communicate complex id as clearly and concisely.

The best tech writers are often the ones who enjoy solving problems as much as they like explaining solutions.

User Experience (UX) Writer

UX Writers are responsible for writing everything that appears on a site, including any text that is displayed. They write copy for every piece of content on a website, whether it’s a blog post, product description, or even a signup form.

There are lots of different ways to describe what UX writers do. Some people call them “copywriters,” while others refer to them simply as “content strategists.” Regardless of the terminology used, there are plenty of jobs out there for those who can effectively market themselves.

Technical Marketing Content Writer

Technical marketing writers create content that helps developers communicate effectively with their target audience. These writers must understand technical jargon and be able to explain complex concepts clearly. Technical marketers want to see what effort went into each piece of content, including whether it was well written.

Product Marketer

A product marketer writes articles and blogs about new products. They research the latest trends and technologies and then write about them in an engaging way. Product marketers are always looking for fresh ideas and innovative ways to promote their clients’ products.

Product marketers must be comfortable with all aspects of online marketing, including SEO, social media, email marketing, and more.

Content Strategist

Content strategists help businesses develop strategies for creating content. They may be tasked with developing content plans for individual projects or entire websites.

Some content strategists focus solely on digital content, but most have experience in both print and digital formats.

White Paper Writer Jobs

Writing a white paper isn’t always easy. There’s a ton of information you need to cover, and it’s important to make sure that what you’re writing is useful to your audience. If you don’t know where to start, here are some tips to help you write a successful white paper.

1. Understand What You Want To Achieve With The White Paper

Before you begin writing, you need to understand why you’re writing the white paper in the first place. Is it because someone asked you to do it? Or did you decide to write one yourself? Either way, you’ll want to clearly define what you hope to achieve with the document. For example, if you’re writing a sales pitch for a client, you might want to focus on how the white paper can help them reach their goals. On the other hand, if you’re writing something for internal use, you might want to talk about the benefits of the project. Regardless of the reason, you’ll want to think about what you want to accomplish with the white paper before you even begin writing.

2. Find Out Who Will Be Reading It

Once you’ve figured out what you’re trying to achieve with the white paper, you’ll need to find out who will be reading it. This step is especially important if you’re planning on distributing the document internally. In that case, you’ll probably want to include people who work within the organization. However, if you’re planning on sending it to clients or potential customers, you’ll likely want to keep things simple and limit the number of recipients.

3. Make Sure Your Document Is Useful

If you’re writing a white paper for internal use, chances are you won’t have to worry too much about whether it’s useful. But if you’re writing something to sell to clients, you’ll want to make sure that the material you provide is actually helpful to them. Remember, you’re selling a solution, so you’ll want to make certain that the information you present is relevant and up-to-date.

Technical Publication Writer

The term technical writing refers to the written communication of information regarding a particular subject matter. That’s why in essence, every technical communicator is actually a “technical publication writer.”

This could include anything from instructions on how to use a product to how to perform certain tasks in a business environment. A technical writer works closely with marketing teams, engineering, and other departments to make sure that information is accurate, concise, and clear. They are often responsible for creating documents such as product descriptions, instruction manuals, and white papers.

A technical publication writer creates material for a variety of purposes. For example, he or she might be asked to create a document describing a new software application. Or perhaps he or she is tasked with explaining why a certain piece of equipment needs to be replaced. In either case, the technical writer must take into account the audience, purpose, and target market for each project. He or she must also consider what type of language best communicates the intended message.

A technical writer typically writes text for a wide range of audiences. Some projects require him or her to simply describe a process or explain something on paper. Other times, the writer must provide detailed information about a specific topic. Depending on the nature of the task, the writer must determine whether to use plain English or specialized terminology.

In addition, a technical writer must know his or her audience well enough to anticipate questions and concerns. If someone asks a question about the meaning of a word, the writer should be able to answer it without having to look up the definition online. Similarly, if a reader wants to know about the benefits of a certain feature, the writer should be prepared to discuss those topics.

Technical Writer-Editor

The role of technical writer-editor varies widely depending upon the type of organization you are working for. In some cases, it is just one person and in others there might be several people involved. Regardless of size, the job description usually includes the following responsibilities:

• Writing clear, concise documentation

• Editing and proofing existing text

• Creating new content based on customer requirements

• Working closely with developers, testers, and others to ensure quality

• Using specialized software such as Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro, etc.

• Communicating with clients and stakeholders

Job Ad Example: TECHNICAL WRITER-EDITOR (ELECTRONICS)

Technical Writer-Editor (Electronics):

• The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• He or she must be able to do the following:
  • Effectively present complex ideas in an understandable manner.
  • Write clearly and concisely.
  • Organize and prioritize workloads.
  • Multitask and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Identify and resolve technical issues.
  • Document procedures and systems. Must be able to create and modify documents within various formats.
  • Utilize word processing software including MS Word, MS Powerpoint, MS Excel, and MS Access.
  • Edit video files.
  • Understand and follow instructions.
  • Demonstrate initiative and creativity.
  • Adapt to changing situations.
  • Take direction and make decisions.
  • Establish rapport with others.
  • Interact professionally with clients and colleagues.
  • Respond to client inquiries promptly.
  • Build strong working relationships.
  • Accept constructive criticism.
  • Solve problems and think critically.
  • Plan ahead and anticipate future needs.
  • Set realistic goals and timelines.
  • Self-motivate.
  • Balance competing demands.
  • Exercise good judgment.
  • Adhere to company policies and procedures.
  • Successfully complete training courses.
  • Travel occasionally. Must be willing to relocate.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Business Administration, English, Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• 2+ years experience working in a professional technical environment
• Experience editing and proofreading documents
• Ability to multitask and work independently
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload
• Proficient knowledge of MS Office programs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated strong problem solving skills
• Ability to work within a fast paced environment • Ability to work overtime as needed

Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive salary plus benefits package
• 401(k) plan • Medical/dental insurance
• Paid vacation days
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity to grow and advance within our organization
• Work/life balance

Some Excellent Medical Writing Jobs

As we mentioned earlier, healthcare is one of the most lucrative industries out there. According to PayScale, the average annual pay for medical writers is $65,000. In addition, according to Indeed, the number of open positions for medical writers is growing rapidly. If you want to make some serious money, consider pursuing a career in healthcare. You could even start off as a freelance writer and work your way up to becoming a full-time employee.

Here are some related medical writing jobs that you might find interesting.

1. Medical Writer

This position requires someone who understands how to write clearly and effectively about medicine. This includes everything from creating educational materials to helping doctors communicate better with patients.

2. Clinical Research Coordinator

A clinical research coordinator works closely with physicians and researchers to help ensure that trials are conducted properly and efficiently. They help collect data, coordinate study activities, and analyze information.

3. Health Information Specialist

An HIS helps people understand health issues by providing accurate, reliable information. He or she does this by working directly with patients, caregivers, and other members of the public.

4. Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists transcribe audio recordings into written form. These include dictations, interviews, and surgeries.

5. Medical Editor

Medical editors proofread manuscripts before publishing them online. They may also edit articles based on feedback from peer reviewers.

6. Medical Journal Associate Editor

Associate editors review submitted manuscripts to determine if they meet journal standards. They then assign them to a specific editor.

7. Medical Librarian

Librarians organize books, journals, databases, and other resources to be easily accessible to readers.

Demand Grows for Technical Writing Graduates

Technical writing jobs are growing rapidly across industries such as software development, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. These positions require technical writers to collaborate with engineers and scientists to produce instructional materials, including manuals, guides, and tutorials.

There is now an emerging demand for those with analytical skills to document (online and in print) mobile apps as well.

The demand for tech writer jobs is expected to grow 13% over the next eight years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is due to increased adoption of technology across multiple industries. Additionally, there has been a shift toward online learning, which increases the need for instructional material. In fact, the number of people employed in computer programming grew by 14.7% between 2010 and 2020, while employment in technical writing grew by 20.9%.

A bachelor’s degree in art and science provides the necessary foundation for success in this career path. Students interested in pursuing a career in tech writing should consider courses like English composition and literature, mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology. They should also take classes related to specific fields of study, such as engineering, medicine, law, and accounting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding a technical writing job doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are plenty of companies who hire freelance writers like you to help them communicate their message effectively, even if you don’t have an extensive technical writing experience or a technical background. So whether you want to write for a company website, a blog, or a magazine, there’s bound to be a position available for someone like you. Verbal communication skills, on top of your writing skills, would also definitely help.

The trick is knowing where to look. There is a wide variety of places online where you can search for jobs, including Indeed.com, Monster.com, SimplyHired.com, and CareerBuilder.com. But you shouldn’t limit yourself to these sites alone; you should also check out local newspapers and magazines, too. They often post positions for freelancers like you to fill.

Once you know which type of job you’d like to apply for, it’s time to start thinking about what you’d like to write about. This is where you’ll really shine. Think about topics that interest you, and that you can write about in a clear and concise manner. Then, use your knowledge of the industry to create content that’s relevant to the audience you’re targeting. After that, it’s just a matter of sending your resume along with writing samples of your work to potential employers.