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What is a documentation writer and how to become one
Likely anytime you've turned to an instruction manual to learn how to use a new gadget, you've got the work of a documentation writer to thank. Companies rely on documentation writers to tell consumers concisely and accurately how to use their products.
Documentation writers, in general, use their literary abilities to create technical content in the form of how-to guides, product booklets, fact sheets, and more that communicate manufacturer specifications to end-users.
Many different types of companies hire documentation writers, making this a career with opportunities to work in a wide variety of fields. You can gain a lot of interesting knowledge as a documentation writer as you coordinate with engineers and developers to deepen your understanding of the products for which you provide documentation.
This career usually requires a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field. As a documentation writer, you'll typically earn an average salary of around $60,165 per year.
Avg. Salary $69,677
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%
Asian 8.81%
Black or African American 6.75%
Hispanic or Latino 7.92%
Unknown 5.00%
White 71.18%
Genderfemale 51.70%
male 48.30%
Age - 45American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 45Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Documentation writer career paths
Key steps to become a documentation writer
Explore documentation writer education requirements
Start to develop specific documentation writer skills
Skills Percentages Technical Documentation 15.40% Subject Matter Experts 9.66% SharePoint 8.82% Software Development 6.49% User Manuals 6.42% Complete relevant documentation writer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New documentation writers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a documentation writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real documentation writer resumes.Research documentation writer duties and responsibilities
- Manage content uploads through SharePoint.
- Manage the EDMS system as a super user for the organization.
- Manage, and perform administrative QC of electronic clinical submission modules within the Documentum document management system.
- Help company achieve ISO registration by determining best practices, writing ISO compliant manufacturing instructions and teaching best manufacturing processes.
Apply for documentation writer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a documentation writer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first documentation writer job
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Average documentation writer salary
The average documentation writer salary in the United States is $69,677 per year or $34 per hour. Documentation writer salaries range between $53,000 and $90,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
