Ever heard of technical writing?
It’s one of the most underrated careers in tech. It’s stable, well-paid, and in-demand. And you don’t even need a CS degree to break in.
In this article, I’m going to explain what technical writing is, why it’s valuable, and how you can get a career as a technical writer.
Let’s go!
- Breaking Down Technical Writing
- Why Companies Need Technical Writers
- Must-Have Skills For Success
- Your Path Into The Industry
- Career Growth Opportunities
Breaking Down Technical Writing
Technical writing, at its core, is about making complex information easy to understand.
Picture the last time you read through a user manual, followed along with a how-to guide, or clicked through some help documentation. That’s technical writing.
Someone sat down, took a technical concept, and wrote it out step-by-step for the user.
Here’s how it works:
Technical writers work with engineers, developers, product managers, and subject matter experts to create technical documentation that helps users understand products, processes, or services.
And if you’re wondering if you could get a career doing this…
Becoming a technical writer gives you the freedom to work across almost every industry. Software companies need technical writers. Healthcare? Finance? Manufacturing? Even government? Every industry needs clear technical communication.
The role is more than just writing docs. It’s about researching, interviewing subject matter experts, testing software or products, and figuring out what users really need to know. Then packaging it up in a helpful format.
Cool, right?
Why Companies Need Technical Writers
Okay, here’s a little secret that most people don’t know…
Bad documentation is a massive cost to companies.
Users that can’t figure out how to use a product get frustrated. They call support. They leave bad reviews. They go to the competition.
Technical writers are there to prevent this.
Every time a new product, software update, API, or piece of machinery is released, documentation needs to be created. Technical writers create that documentation to bridge the gap between technical teams and end users.
The good news is that the demand for technical writing is growing.
According to this data, between 2023 and 2033, technical writer jobs will grow by 4%, with about 4100 openings per year.
But here’s the thing…
Technical writing does way more than just create documents. Good technical writing improves user experience, saves support costs, and contributes to product success.
Think about it. Imagine a brilliant software tool that people struggle to use. It’s useless. Technical writers make great products usable.
Must-Have Skills For Success
So what skills do you need to be a successful technical writer?
First off, you have to be a good writer. Duh. But technical writing requires a very specific style that’s different from marketing writing or creative writing. You’re not trying to entertain or persuade your reader, you’re informing them and instructing them on how to do something.
So here are the skills you need to be a technical writer:
- Clear communication – Conveying complex topics in simple language
- Research abilities – The ability to learn about technical topics quickly
- Attention to detail – Spotting errors, inconsistencies
- Empathy for users – Understanding the information that the audience actually needs
- Technical aptitude – The ability to quickly grasp new technologies and tools
- Collaboration – You need to work with engineers, SMEs, and others to gather information.
Oh, and don’t forget tools. Most technical writers need to be familiar with the following:
- Documentation platforms (Confluence, MadCap Flare, etc)
- Version control systems (Git, etc)
- Markup languages (Markdown, XML, etc)
- Screenshot and diagram tools
- Content management systems
You don’t have to know all of these from the start. But you have to be willing to pick up new tools and technologies.
Your Path Into The Industry
Did you know…
You don’t need a degree to become a technical writer?
True story. While many technical writers do have English, journalism, or communication degrees, many more come from technical backgrounds like engineering or IT.
The most common path for technical writers looks like this:
Educate yourself. A bachelor’s degree is helpful but not required. Many technical writers learn and develop their writing skills on the job.
Build a portfolio. This is key. Create sample documentation, contribute to open-source projects, or write documentation for non-profits. You need something to show employers.
Get technical knowledge. Choose an industry you’re interested in, and immerse yourself. The more technical background you have, the easier writing will be.
Get certified. Certifications from the Society for Technical Communication are not required, but they can give you a leg up.
Start applying. Look for junior roles, internships, or contract work to get your foot in the door.
The best part?
Companies look for candidates who have expertise in their industry. A background in healthcare, finance, or engineering will give you an edge.
Career Growth Opportunities
Technical writing is not a dead-end job.
In fact, the career path and progression opportunities are quite strong. You can move up to senior technical writer, lead writer, or documentation manager roles. You can specialize in areas like API documentation, UX writing, or medical writing.
The salary? According to this report, the median annual wage for technical writers was $91,670 as of May 2024. Top earners make $130,000 and above.
But technical writers can do more than climb the traditional ladder. Many find rewarding career paths in related fields like:
- Content strategy
- User experience design
- Product management
- Technical training
- Developer relations
The skills you learn and develop as a technical writer – understanding user needs, clear communication, working with technical teams – all transfer to these careers.
Plus, there’s flexibility and freedom. Many technical writers are able to work remotely, freelance, or go the consulting route. The career offers more options than many people realize.
Making Your Move
Ready to give technical writing a shot?
If you love learning new things, communicating clearly, and solving problems, this could be the right career for you. The market is stable. The pay is competitive. And most importantly, it’s genuinely important work.
Get started on your skills today. Pick a new technology you want to learn about, and write about it. Build a portfolio. Get involved in technical writing communities. Start applying for jobs.
The barrier to entry is lower than you think.
Wrapping Things Up
Technical writing is a solid, rewarding career path that leverages your writing skills in a technical setting. The demand for technical writing continues to grow as technology evolves. Every new product or service needs to be documented. Every company needs technical writers to translate complexity into easy-to-understand content.
Start small. Build that portfolio. Learn the tools. Apply for jobs. Before you know it, you’ll be helping users understand complex products while building a great career for yourself.