Technical Writer

What does a technical writer do all day?

Many different things! Technical writers may create how-to guides, owner’s manuals and online help pages. They generate reports of research findings, write scientific news articles and create documents outlining policies and procedures. A technical writer may work for an electronics manufacturer, a software company, a trade journal, a university or the government – any place that produces and distributes technical information.

What kind of cash are we talking about here?

Median salaries in NYC range from $54,000 to $82,000 for those with 4-6 years on the job. Hourly freelance salaries start at $13 and run to $42, depending on experience.

What do you have to do to get this job?

For starters, you need to be able to write — and a knack for making dry material readable is a plus. Most full-time positions require a college degree and some experience. Those interested in this field should pursue internships while in college, and/or seek out a school that offers degree programs in technical writing.

OK, tell me the bad part.

There is no one way to get into technical writing – a person trained in biology, for example may end up writing press releases for a pharmaceutical company. Beware of fly-by-night schools offering worthless certificate programs. Getting a break can be hard when companies want experience as a prerequisite.

What’s the upside?

This is a well-paying field with a bright job outlook. Technical writers are needed in several businesses projected to experience rapid growth in the next decade, including computers, electronics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and communications.