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What is a technical editor and how to become one
Technical editors proofread, revise, rewrite and edit technical content. This includes research reports, scientific and technical publications, clinical research protocols, learning materials and user manuals, and web content, among others. They work on various subjects that are not limited to car engines, computers, or breakthroughs in medicine. They review the work of technical writers. Besides that, they provide suggestions to improve the article and propose possible titles. Also, they ensure the technical publications are best suited for the targeted audiences.
To become a technical editor, you need at least a bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related discipline. You may be required to undergo specialized training to acquire knowledge of the field you'd be working in. You must possess writing, editing, and creativity skills. You must be familiar with relevant ethics. Technical editors earn an average salary of $63,425 annually. This varies from $40,000 and $100,000.
What general advice would you give to a technical editor?
Bridget Carson
Associate Professor of Developmental English, Independence Community College
I know these seem simple, but they require time. It isn't just about the hours on the clock, although they are that for which you are paid. Go to the meet and greet. Chip into the water cooler fund. Join a softball league, a book club, or a game night. When somebody invites you to a company picnic - go. Join the volunteer opportunities in which the organization participates. Relationships need nurturing so that you can have empathy and resilience during difficult discussions within an organization or when it needs to pull together and get through something.
Our shiny new degrees are just the beginning of what we know. You'll be stepping into situations where people will need your fresh perspective, and you will need their experience. Keep reading, not just things in your content area. This isn't just a "respect your elders" or "know your place" statement. They don't know everything, and neither do you, but they've been there longer.
Be a visible part of the broader community. This is especially important if you choose to work in the Public Sector where people want to see their tax dollars pay people who are invested in their community. Go to the concerts in the park, the local community theater, the parades. Join some organization and chip in. Work the polls, join the park committee, be active in a philanthropic or faith community, show up for events celebrating local history. Support local businesses where you find them in alignment with your values.
Don't do any of this for the show. People can spot a fake-Esse quad videre: to be rather than to seem.
Avg. Salary $61,717
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.27%
Asian 7.30%
Black or African American 3.60%
Hispanic or Latino 8.18%
Unknown 4.59%
White 76.06%
Genderfemale 57.39%
male 42.61%
Age - 43American 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 - 43Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Technical editor career paths
Key steps to become a technical editor
Explore technical editor education requirements
Start to develop specific technical editor skills
Skills Percentages PowerPoint 16.31% English Language 11.09% Proofreading 5.95% Subject Matter Experts 5.06% Training Materials 4.88% Complete relevant technical editor training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical editors 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 technical editor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical editor resumes.Research technical editor duties and responsibilities
- Identify and initiate wholesale computer upgrade to accommodate new CMS while allocating and managing staff resources devote to developing the software.
- Train course developers in advance features of FrameMaker and PowerPoint.
- Remove PDF security from each document.
- Update PDF variables for online help.
Get technical editor experience
Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a technical editor. The most common roles before becoming a technical editor include technical writer, editor team lead and technical writer and editor.Prepare your technical editor resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your technical editor resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a technical editor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable technical editor resume templates
Build a professional technical editor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your technical editor resume.
Apply for technical editor jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a technical editor 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 technical editor job
Are you a technical editor?
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Average technical editor salary
The average technical editor salary in the United States is $61,717 per year or $30 per hour. Technical editor salaries range between $47,000 and $80,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do technical editors rate their job?
Technical editor reviews
Diversified projects and project responsibilities.
Needing to continually explain to supposedly more educated persons the basic writing and grammar mistakes when proofreading.
Communication and completion. I like doing a complicated job and then finishing on time and within budget. Getting done and filing away, ready for the next project is the best.
It offers a less stressful environment to work with and it broadens the knowledge.
It gets boring when you are doing it long enough.
Updated January 8, 2025
