Technical writers perform a crucial role in translating complex information into something easy to understand
What does a Technical Writer do?
A technical writer is responsible for creating clear, concise, and accurate documentation that explains complex information in a way that's easy to understand. They produce various types of content that help users understand technical or specialized subjects, products, or services. This could be anything from a user manual or ‘how to’ guide, eLearning training materials, journal articles, online help or web page content. The aim of the content they create is to communicate complex and/or technical information more easily.
With the ever-increasing use of technology, a technical writer must also consider the most appropriate medium for relaying the technical information to the reader.
To find out more about the field of technical communication, you might want to read this article on ‘What is technical communication?’.
Technical writing is a skill that can form a part of many job roles. In a survey (Intercom, December 2018), 62% of respondents identified their primary job as a writing role (writer or editor). And 56% of respondents had the term ‘technical writer’, ‘editor’ or ‘communicator’ in their job title.
The survey went on to identify the top four key work responsibilities of technical communicators as:
- Developing content
- Editing
- Management
- Project management
Technical writers perform a crucial role in translating complex information into something easy to consume which is also in a format that is appropriate for the audience accessing the information.
Key Responsibilities of a Technical Writer
The key responsibilities of a Technical Writer are:
- Create user documentation, which could be in the format of a user guide giving step-by-step instructions or FAQs.
- Create technical documentation which could be a technical specification document, system documentation i.e. architecture, workflows, APIs and processes.
- Edit, revise and maintain documentation through proofreading or updating documents in response to technology changes.
- Testing and validation of the documentation with end users and identify areas for improvement.
When creating documentation, in addition to ensuring it is factually correct, the technical writer needs to consider their audience. By understanding how the information will be used, the technical writer can determine the most appropriate format, for example choosing between a text-based user guide, video, visual diagram or presentation.
What skills does a Technical Writer need?
There are various skills a technical writer needs, some of which go without saying (like writing skills), and others are less obvious. Please see below for a breakdown of the skills required:
Writing Skills:
Ability to write clearly, concisely, and accurately.
Technical Knowledge:
Understanding of the technical domain being documented, whether it's software, hardware, engineering, medical, etc.
Research skills:
Ability to research complex topics and explain them to a non-technical audience.
Attention to Detail:
Precision in capturing information and documenting complex systems or processes.
Communication:
Ability to interact with technical experts and translate their knowledge into something easily consumable by a broader, and often non-technical, audience.
Project Management:
Managing multiple documents, updates, and versions systematically, as well as prioritising work to meet deadlines.
Audience analysis:
Ensuring you understand your audience’s level of knowledge and learning preferences will ensure the right technology or media is used to deliver the information that meets their needs.
Problem-Solving:
Ability to identify gaps in documentation and find ways to make complex topics accessible.
Collaboration:
Be able to work closely with developers, product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Proficiency in using various tools:
Ability to use a wide range of technical tools, including the knowledge of using specific tools to create, develop, produce, and communicate (or facilitate) technical knowledge.
How much does a Technical Writer get paid?
Technical writers can expect to be well-remunerated. Reed.co.uk provide an average salary checker and, at the time of publishing, the average technical writer salary in the UK ranges from £55,796 to £76,509 (USD $69,827 to $95,765, however salaries will depend on experience with junior technical writers starting at the lower end of the scale. This compares well to the average salary for full time employees in the UK which was £37,430 in April 2024. [Office of National Statistics median gross annual earnings]
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes occupational employment and wage statistics each year across a variety of professions. Their national estimated mean annual wage for a technical writer in 2023 was $86,620 (£69,228).
How do I become a Technical Writer?
There isn’t a strict path you need to follow to become a Technical Writer. Some people will follow a ‘traditional’ route of getting an English degree and progressing through to the role from a language and communication point. Whereas others start off with having the technical knowledge and then move into a technical writing role after gaining experience and developing the skills needed.
Please see below for some suggested steps to becoming a technical writer.
Understand the role:
Look into the key responsibilities and core skills required. You could look at job vacancies for technical writers to see what employers are looking for and the types of industries the role is found in.
Develop key skills:
Practice writing concise, clear, and user-focused content. Learn editing techniques to refine your work. Familiarize yourself with document creation and editing tools.
Obtain relevant qualifications:
Although not mandatory, a degree in English, journalism or communication could be beneficial. There are also specialized courses and certifications available (see section below).
Gain practical experience:
Volunteering to write documentation for local organisations or charities can be a great first step to get experience and hone your skills. Alternatively, you could take freelance or contract roles. These will all help you to build your portfolio and progress your technical writing career.
Networking:
Joining organisations and online groups/forums can be a great way to connect with professionals and stay up to date with industry trends. Becoming a member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) gives you access to technical communication education and training programs, career development and professional networking opportunities.
Subject Matter Knowledge:
Technical communicators often benefit from some subject matter knowledge of the particular discipline in which they are employed. For example, a technical writer that produces content for the medical field might benefit from some basic coursework or supplemental training in the specific medical discipline in which they write and produce documentation.
Are there any specific qualifications I need to become a technical writer?
With regards to academic degrees, technical communication is also a degree that can be earned at the Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels in many colleges and universities. While a degree in English, Journalism, or Communication Studies might be beneficial, a more specialized degree in technical / professional / scientific communication may be even more beneficial to build one's academic credentials.
In this article, Anne Hempy, Senior Technical Marketing Engineer, shares her educational journey when she decided to make a career change into a technical writing role.
As an alternative, or in addition, to a degree, there are technical writing courses or professional writing courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera and Udemy, which would give you the writing and editing skills needed to perform the role.
Certifications, like the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) from the Society for Technical Communication (STC), can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise.
Finally, demonstrating your skills in using common technical writing tools from Microsoft, Adobe and MadCap, for example, can enhance your skillset and could differentiate you from other applicants when seeking a technical writing role.
Are technical writers found in particular industries?
The majority of technical writers work in organizations whose primary business is something other than providing technical communication or writing services, for example:
- Software development
- Defence
- Education
- Healthcare
Technical writers can usually be found in the information technology (IT) department, but also work in research and development (R&D), manufacturing or sales and marketing departments.
Creating clear, accurate, and user-friendly documentation is essential wherever complex information needs to be communicated so technical writing is not confined to any single industry.
In this article, Meg Nelson, a senior technical writer, describes her journey into the field of technical communication and how she has got to her current role as a technical writer for an offshore financial services regulator.
Relevant Certifications
It can often be advantageous to hold certifications related to the role you want to perform as this not only helps you stand out from other job applicants, but it also demonstrates your commitment to the profession. In this article, Craig Baehr details how professional certification can boost your career.
The Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) certifications were developed by the Society for Technical Communication:
Certified Professional Technical Communicator Foundation:
This is an entry-level certification, with no pre-requisites and introduces the 9 core competencies of technical communicators. Individuals are tested on their understanding of core technical communication concepts and practices via a multiple-choice examination. Training courses are available and are usually delivered over 1 or 2 days.
Certified Professional Technical Communicator Practitioner:
The Practitioner level builds on what was learned during the Foundation level and requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to apply best practice. Individuals are tested via a complex multiple-choice examination based on a fictional scenario. The CPTC Foundation certificate is an entry requirement. Training is typically delivered over 2 days. The certificate awarded upon successfully passing the exam does not expire.
Related Roles
Technical writing is not confined to developing user manuals and technical documentation. Different jobs in the field of technical communication include:
- Business analysts
- Content strategists
- Globalization and localization specialists
- Indexers
- Information architects
- Instructional designers
- Sales professionals (bid & proposal writing)
- Technical communication teachers and researchers
- Technical illustrators
- Technical writers and editors
- Trainers and eLearning developers
- Usability and human factors professionals
- User experience professionals
- Visual designers
- Web designers and developers
Conclusion
In conclusion, technical writing skills are valuable in any industry where clarity and accuracy are critical. In today’s world, where technology is constantly evolving, businesses are undergoing digital transformation and adopting new technologies, technical writing is becoming increasingly important as demand for clear, accurate and accessible documentation grows to bridge the gap between innovation and usability.
