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What is a technical writer and editor and how to become one
A technical writer & editor is responsible for sourcing technical information and creating technical documents and educative materials for digital platforms. The documents could be in the form of user guides, API developer guides, installation instructions, and configuration instructions for system operations. Since you also double as an editor, your work also includes proofreading and editing such written technical documents. You must continuously edit and review the content you put up to ensure that the users get the experience and information they require.
You need to have at least a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, English, or in other related fields. Your written and verbal communication skills must be top-notch. You must be able to create contents that would be easily understood by tech-savvy and non-technical audiences. In-depth knowledge about digital platforms and computer languages would be a boost for this role. Technical writers and editors earn an average of $56,349 yearly.
What general advice would you give to a technical writer and editor?
Cathy Irwin Ph.D.
Professor of English, University of La Verne
English majors from La Verne graduate with excellent writing and critical thinking skills. As a result, they do have opportunities after they graduate. Many of them are hired in jobs because of their writing and editing skills. A large percentage of students decide to go to graduate school. They want to serve their communities, so they become teachers, librarians, lawyers, and officers in non-profits or the city sector.
The medical field is also starting to welcome students from the humanities because they are looking for well-rounded, articulate, and compassionate people. If students with a humanities degree want to go into the health or medical sector, they can apply to one-year post-baccalaureate programs that lead to medical school.
Avg. Salary $65,088
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.35%
Asian 8.79%
Black or African American 6.72%
Hispanic or Latino 7.90%
Unknown 4.99%
White 71.25%
Genderfemale 58.31%
male 41.69%
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
Technical writer and editor career paths
Key steps to become a technical writer and editor
Explore technical writer and editor education requirements
Start to develop specific technical writer and editor skills
Skills Percentages Technical Documentation 7.74% PowerPoint 6.11% Technical Specifications 5.75% Subject Matter Experts 4.66% DOD 4.66% Complete relevant technical writer and editor training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New technical writer and 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 writer and editor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real technical writer and editor resumes.Gain additional technical writer and editor certifications
More About CertificationsTechnical writer and editor certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific technical writer and editor certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for technical writer and editors include Certified Technical Professional (CTP) and Certified Professional Technical Communicator - Expert (CPTC).
Research technical writer and editor duties and responsibilities
- Manage content development and consistency utilizing exemplary editing and proofreading skills.
- Identify and initiate wholesale computer upgrade to accommodate new CMS while allocating and managing staff resources devote to developing the software.
- Develop self running media presentations and eLearning content.
- Update Microsoft Visio diagrams displaying customer site computer hardware.
Prepare your technical writer and editor resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your technical writer and 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 writer and 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 writer and editor resume templates
Build a professional technical writer and 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 writer and editor resume.
Apply for technical writer and editor jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a technical writer and 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 writer and editor job
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Average technical writer and editor salary
The average technical writer and editor salary in the United States is $65,088 per year or $31 per hour. Technical writer and editor salaries range between $51,000 and $82,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do technical writer and editors rate their job?
Technical writer and 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.
Being forgotten in the rush. Complicated projects are an easy place to get left behind. I have to keep my name and voice in front of people or I get left out.
Unexpected deadlines, I guess, although it sometimes seems I do my sharpest writing in those pressured situations.
Updated January 8, 2025
