Technical Writers

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Also called: Com Writer, Engineering Writer, Global Technical Writer, Grant Writer, Medical Writer, Narrative Writer, Principal Technical Writer, Requirements Analyst, Technical Report Writer, Assembly Instructions Writer, Clinical Writer, Contracts Writer, Documentation Writer, Handbook Writer, Health Science Writer, Health Technical Writer, Lexicographer, Manual Writer, Medical Technical Writer, Process Description Writer, Proposal Writer, Regulatory Medical Writer, Report Writer, Scientific Writer, Specifications Writer, Technical Proposal Writer, Technical Publications Writer, Technician Writer, UX Writer (User Experience Writer)

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.
Assist in laying out material for publication.

Skills, machines and equipment

Writing
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Judgment and Decision Making
Time Management
Monitoring
Coordination
Persuasion
Social Perceptiveness

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (35.25% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

70,880–115,510 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 27-3042.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (35.25% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Technical Writers