How to hire a technical writer

How to hire a technical writer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step technical writer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a technical writer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new technical writer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a technical writer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a technical writer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a technical writer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a technical writer that fits the bill.

   This list presents technical writer salaries for various positions.

   Type of Technical Writer	Description	Hourly rate
   Technical Writer	Technical writers, also called technical communicators, prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information through an organization’s communications channels.	$23-41
   Publisher	A publisher manages the design, editing, and production process with the help of proofreaders, printers, and editors. Publishers make schedules for every stage of the process and work backward from the planned date for publication... Show more	$20-57
   Editor	An editor is the one responsible for polishing and refining a story, article, and any material for publication in newspapers, magazines, books, or websites. Editors have the power to either accept or reject a material as they need to ensure that every manuscript which will be offered for publishing is at the best version as it can be... Show more	$16-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Technical Documentation
   • Subject Matter Experts
   • PowerPoint
   • Visio
   • SharePoint
   • Test Procedures
   • Training Materials
   • Project Management
   • HTML
   • User Guides
   • User Manuals
   • SMEs
   • Technical Publications
   • XML

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Analyze the requirements of the RFP to understand the customer s solution needs and to identify potential discriminators for competitive advantage.
   • Manage consulting projects including UNIX installation and maintenance on various engineering workstation platforms.
   • Create and manage print and online documentation for Linux and web-base security software.
   • Manage security program for DoD classify magnetic media, classify documents and physical security systems.
   • Develop software requirements documents for proprietary medical software device; manage documents through SDLC in fda-regulate environment.
   • Help company achieve ISO registration by determining best practices, writing ISO compliant manufacturing instructions and teaching best manufacturing processes.

   More technical writer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the technical writer job description is a good way to get more applicants. A technical writer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a technical writer in West Virginia may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level technical writer. Additionally, a technical writer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average technical writer salary

   $65,329yearly

   $31.41 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level technical writer salary

   $48,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

   Average technical writer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$86,857	$42
   2	District of Columbia	$77,948	$37
   3	Washington	$77,570	$37
   4	Massachusetts	$75,512	$36
   5	Maryland	$70,547	$34
   6	Oregon	$68,190	$33
   7	North Carolina	$66,951	$32
   8	Virginia	$66,926	$32
   9	Arizona	$65,866	$32
   10	Pennsylvania	$64,197	$31
   11	Georgia	$64,095	$31
   12	Colorado	$64,047	$31
   13	New York	$61,007	$29
   14	Texas	$60,154	$29
   15	Illinois	$60,047	$29
   16	Ohio	$58,871	$28
   17	Minnesota	$58,378	$28
   18	Missouri	$56,838	$27
   19	Maine	$56,686	$27
   20	Wisconsin	$56,301	$27

   Average technical writer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$103,415	$49.72	47
   2	Riverbed Holdings, Inc.	$99,590	$47.88
   3	Google	$99,590	$47.88	75
   4	Apple	$99,467	$47.82	32
   5	Microsoft	$94,023	$45.20	143
   6	ResMed	$92,440	$44.44	5
   7	Amazon	$91,655	$44.06	333
   8	Cisco	$90,634	$43.57	145
   9	Workday	$90,201	$43.37	1
   10	Zoox	$90,188	$43.36	43
   11	Getaround	$89,125	$42.85
   12	PlayStation	$88,831	$42.71	8
   13	Applied Materials	$87,698	$42.16	21
   14	F5	$87,310	$41.98
   15	Intel	$86,844	$41.75
   16	KLA	$84,100	$40.43	7
   17	Adobe	$83,965	$40.37	2
   18	Visa	$83,710	$40.25	11
   19	Stryker	$82,880	$39.85	3
   20	TS Imagine	$82,407	$39.62

4. Writing a technical writer job description

   A technical writer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a technical writer job description:

   Technical writer job description example

   In this role, the candidate will take complex and technical ideas and make them more understandable using clear and simple language. The ideal candidate enjoys a dynamic work environment and will need to think like an engineer on some days and like a product manager on others. The ideal candidate possesses the perfect blend of developer-thinking and technical writing ability.
   Responsibilities
   Possess a developer-centric vision for how documentation should be organized and presented on multiple platforms. Develop, write, organize, and deliver digital content (online help, developers' guides, release notes, and UI microcopy, etc.) for new and existing products. Be a steward of the technologist experience, leading the delivery of efficient and effective and developer-obsessed solutions Produce technically accurate and well-written documentation, working with cross-functional partners to understand and align on project objectives, goals, and requirements. Create and test content (PDF and HTML) for accessibility compliance to ensure the best experience for all users. Ensure consistency of style and tone in all materials, following corporate standards and accepted technical writing principles. Leverage user feedback and data to inform and optimize content across platforms. Manage concurrent projects from start to finish, adapt to changing priorities, and meet all deadlines. Develop and curate libraries of material across the organization. Collaborate with a team comprised of product owners, technology partners, agile teams, and executive leadership to document technology products for new and existing technical specifications. Synthesize large amounts of information for broader consumption across the organization. Support all controls and compliance requirements and ensure that all pre- and post-launch conditions are met in order to release documentation on time. Create and deliver experiences that delight and positively influence both internal and external stakeholders.
   Qualifications
   Bachelor's degree in technical writing, English, journalism, or other writing-intensive program, with superior written and oral communication and grammar At least 8-10 years of experience technical writing and editing experience of customer-facing technical content for the digital space. Experience with content development and authoring tools, primarily Hugo, Markdown and Acrobat. Working knowledge of HTML, XML, and HTML5. Familiarity with accessibility concepts and the use of a screen reader (NVDA or JAWS) to test PDF and HTML5 files. Experience working with subject matter experts to translate technical information into clear, logical, content for laypersons use in online help, developers' guides, release notes, etc. Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage schedules and deadlines for multiple projects. Experience working in cross-functional teams, interacting with designers, researchers, usability specialists, product managers, marketing, and legal and compliance experts. Strong research, problem-solving, and analytical skills; attention to detail; willingness to explore new ideas and creative solutions. Self-motivated; able to work independently while also contributing to the success of the team. Knowledge of Content Strategy methods and trends with practical experience applying this knowledge. Proficiency with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Knowledge of MS SharePoint or Confluence a plus. Experience adhering to documented standards for brand and copy, including style, voice, and tone. Familiarity with style guides such as the Microsoft Writing Style Guide. Financial services experience preferred but not required.
   To be considered for this position, you must provide a portfolio of writing samples.
   
   JPMorgan Chase & Co., one of the oldest financial institutions, offers innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers, small businesses and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Our history spans over 200 years and today we are a leader in investment banking, consumer and small business banking, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management.
   
   We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
   
   The health and safety of our colleagues, candidates, clients and communities has been a top priority in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. JPMorgan Chase was awarded the "WELL Health-Safety Rating" for all of our 6,200 locations globally based on our operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment.
   
   As a part of our commitment to health and safety, we have implemented various COVID-related health and safety requirements for our workforce. Employees are expected to follow the Firm's current COVID-19 or other infectious disease health and safety requirements, including local requirements. Requirements include sharing information including your vaccine card in the firm's vaccine record tool, and may include mask wearing. Requirements may change in the future with the evolving public health landscape. JPMorgan Chase will consider accommodation requests as required by applicable law.
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find technical writers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your technical writer job on Zippia to find and attract quality technical writer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as problogger, media bistro, journalismjobs.com, content writing jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with technical writer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new technical writer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the technical writer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new technical writer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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