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What is a software writer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a software writer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $39.44 an hour? That's $82,036 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 21% and produce 284,100 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSoftware WriterUS Average
Salary
6.4

Avg. Salary $82,036

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.0

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.16%

Asian 31.31%

Black or African American 2.85%

Hispanic or Latino 6.37%

Unknown 4.34%

White 54.97%

Gender

female 39.39%

male 60.61%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a software writer

  1. Explore software writer education requirements

    Most common software writer degrees

    Bachelor's

    75.0 %

    Associate

    12.5 %

    High School Diploma

    8.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific software writer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    HTML38.92%
    Release Notes32.14%
    API15.28%
    Windows13.66%
  3. Complete relevant software writer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software 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 software writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software writer resumes.
  4. Research software writer duties and responsibilities

    • Contribute to implementing microservices used to manage entities and maintain a synchronize state between supplier and distributor.
    • Convert legacy FrameMaker files into RoboHTML, and work with team to develop an online help system.
    • Used FrameMaker for all print documentation and produce project documentation on the companies internal website.
    • Perform configuration management and administer SourceSafe database.
  5. Apply for software writer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a software writer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first software writer job

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Average software writer salary

The average software writer salary in the United States is $82,036 per year or $39 per hour. Software writer salaries range between $49,000 and $134,000 per year.

Average software writer salary
$82,036 Yearly
$39.44 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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