Career: Technical Writers
Computer software and hardware, cars, stereos, and many other products come with instructions. Technical writers create operating instructions and other informational material, such as maintenance manuals, catalogs, parts lists, and assembly instructions.
This information not only allows consumers to use and maintain products easily and safely, but also protects manufacturers from being sued. If you enjoy writing and are curious about developments in science and technology, this field might be for you.
Technical writers create material, such as instruction manuals, related to science and technology.
“I [like] working closely with other writers, editors, engineers, and project managers toward the common goal of getting a software application ready for release.”
Dave, Senior Technical Writer
Are You Ready To...?
- Translate complicated written material into simpler language for the general public
- Plan and edit technical materials
- Manage the preparation of illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts
- Work as part of a team
- Work under a deadline, possibly in a chaotic environment
It Helps to Be...
Able to express ideas clearly and accurately in writing. You should enjoy science and technology. You also need to be someone who pays attention to details and is comfortable working with computers.
Make High School Count
- Make the most of your English classes. Learn how to write clearly and correctly and pay attention to how books and articles are organized.
- Get a good grounding in the physical and life sciences.
- Work on your writing skills on the staff of the school newspaper or yearbook.
- Build computer skills. Learn to use desktop publishing software, to handle graphics, and to write code in HTML.
Did You Know?
- Some writers have expertise in and create material about the physical sciences and medicine, preparing documents for science professionals or interpreting data for the general public.
Outlook
According to government economists, jobs for technical writers should grow faster than the average for all careers through 2016. Scientific discoveries, progress in technology and electronics, and changes in the law all create a need for people who can explain new ideas and procedures to a general audience. Technical writers and writers with training in a special field, such as medicine, will have the best chances of finding work.
Compensation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that technical writers earned an average yearly salary of $62,780 in 2007.
