How to Become a Technical Writer
Write technical content such as equipment manuals, appendices, operating instructions, and software documentation. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $90,390 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$90,390/yr
Job growth
1%
Openings / yr
4,500
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Technical Writing
- Documentation Tools
- Information Architecture
- Editing
- Subject Matter Research
Helpful certifications
- Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
- Google Technical Writing Courses
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
90/100
Work-life balance
78/100
Stress level
22/100
Satisfaction
70/100
Related careers
- Public Relations Specialist$74,750 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Technical Writer make?
The median pay for a Technical Writer is $90,390 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Technical Writer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are English, Technical Communication, Computer Science, Journalism, and Engineering.
Is Technical Writer a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, with roughly 4,500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Technical Writer use most?
Common skills for this role are Technical Writing, Documentation Tools, Information Architecture, Editing, and Subject Matter Research.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.