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What is a specifications writer and how to become one
A specifications writer typically works in an architectural firm or on construction projects. Their prime responsibility is to develop specifications to accompany architectural drawings that can help install various aspects of the project. They will also be responsible for coordinating with design teams, budgeting for materials, maintaining standards, reviewing designs, and scheduling.
They may need to earn a bachelor's degree or associate's degree to be a specifications writer. They can even become one with only a high school degree or GED. They may also benefit from training in building design and other architectural studies.
Specifications writers can expect to make an average salary of $58,805 per year or $28 per hour.
Avg. Salary $72,326
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%
Asian 8.58%
Black or African American 6.44%
Hispanic or Latino 7.63%
Unknown 4.95%
White 72.05%
Genderfemale 50.21%
male 49.79%
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
Specifications writer career paths
Key steps to become a specifications writer
Explore specifications writer education requirements
Start to develop specific specifications writer skills
Skills Percentages Technical Specifications 16.62% Data Sheets 11.24% Leed 10.55% Product Flow 9.45% Architectural Specifications 7.07% Complete relevant specifications writer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New specifications 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 specifications writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real specifications writer resumes.Research specifications writer duties and responsibilities
- Help company achieve ISO registration by determining best practices, writing ISO compliant manufacturing instructions and teaching best manufacturing processes.
- Involve answering RFP system specification and accompanying system requirements document (SRD).
- Process specifications in SpecsIntact according to project requirements working with a team of engineers, architects and project managers.
- Develop sophisticated PowerPoint presentations for cross-departmental meetings.
Apply for specifications writer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a specifications 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 specifications writer job
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Average specifications writer salary
The average specifications writer salary in the United States is $72,326 per year or $35 per hour. Specifications writer salaries range between $49,000 and $105,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
