Details Report for:
27-3042.00 - Technical Writers
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Sample of reported job titles: Documentation Designer, Documentation Specialist, Engineering Writer, Expert Medical Writer, Information Developer, Narrative Writer, Requirements Analyst, Senior Technical Writer, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer
Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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Category | Task |
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93 ![]() ![]() |
Core | |
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76 ![]() ![]() |
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68 ![]() ![]() |
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67 ![]() ![]() |
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66 ![]() ![]() |
Core | |
63 ![]() ![]() |
Core |
Technology Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Analytical or scientific software — SAS
- Application server software — GitHub
- Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD
; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
; PTC Creo Parametric
- Computer based training software — Adobe Systems Adobe Captivate
- Configuration management software — IBM Rational ClearCase; Perforce Helix software
- Content workflow software — Atlassian JIRA
- Data base reporting software — Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services
; Oracle Business Intelligence Discoverer; SAP Crystal Reports
- Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software
; Microsoft Access
; Microsoft SQL Server
; Structured query language SQL
(see all 7 examples)
- Data mining software — IBM Cognos Business Intelligence
- Desktop communications software — ParentSquare
- Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe FrameMaker; Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
; Microsoft Publisher; PTC Arbortext (see all 7 examples)
- Development environment software — Darwin information typing architecture DITA; IBM Rational ClearQuest; Microsoft Visual Basic
; Standardized general markup language SGML
- Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Electronic mail software — IBM Notes
; Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise application integration software — Extensible markup language XML
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software — SAP Business Objects
- File versioning software — Git
- Financial analysis software — Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
- Graphical user interface development software — Adobe Systems Adobe RoboHelp
- Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Cloud
; Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
; Microsoft Visio
(see all 8 examples)
- Instant messaging software — Blink
- Internet browser software — Web browser software
- Medical software — Epic Systems
- Object or component oriented development software — Objective C
; Oracle Java
- Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
- Project management software — Confluence
; Microsoft Project
; Microsoft SharePoint
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Video creation and editing software — Apple Final Cut Pro
- Web page creation and editing software — Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver; Adobe Systems Adobe Flash Player; Google Sites; Quadralay WebWorks ePublisher (see all 5 examples)
- Web platform development software — Cascading Style Sheets CSS
; Drupal
; Microsoft ASP.NET
; Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
(see all 9 examples)
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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Knowledge |
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95 ![]() ![]() |
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82 ![]() ![]() |
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69 ![]() ![]() |
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56 ![]() ![]() |
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3 ![]() ![]() |
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1 ![]() ![]() |
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0 ![]() |
Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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Skill |
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---|---|---|
97 ![]() ![]() |
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78 ![]() ![]() |
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69 ![]() ![]() |
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3 ![]() ![]() |
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Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)
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Work Activity |
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90 ![]() ![]() |
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83 ![]() ![]() |
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80 ![]() ![]() |
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Detailed Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Edit written materials.
- Compile technical information or documentation.
- Maintain records, documents, or other files.
- Determine presentation subjects or content.
- Research new technologies.
- Write informational material.
- Review details of technical drawings or specifications.
- Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
- Design layouts for print publications.
- Monitor current trends.
- Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
- Confer with clients to determine needs.
Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities
Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Title | Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
Education | Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
Related Experience | A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
Job Training | Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
Job Zone Examples | Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators. |
SVP Range | (7.0 to < 8.0) |
Education
![]() Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Required |
---|---|
35 ![]() ![]() |
Associate's degree |
33 ![]() ![]() |
Bachelor's degree |
16 ![]() ![]() |
Some college, no degree |
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
![]() Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
---|---|---|
89 ![]() ![]() |
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56 ![]() ![]() |
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45 ![]() ![]() |
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28 ![]() ![]() |
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6 ![]() ![]() |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. ![]() |
|
6 ![]() ![]() |
Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)
![]() Importance |
Work Style |
|
---|---|---|
94 ![]() ![]() |
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91 ![]() ![]() |
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81 ![]() ![]() |
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Related Occupations Save Table (XLS/CSV)
13-1041.07 | Regulatory Affairs Specialists ![]() |
15-1212.00 | Information Security Analysts ![]() |
17-1021.00 | Cartographers and Photogrammetrists ![]() |
19-4061.00 | Social Science Research Assistants ![]() |
25-4031.00 | Library Technicians |
27-3023.00 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists |
27-3031.00 | Public Relations Specialists ![]() |
27-3041.00 | Editors |
27-3043.00 | Writers and Authors |
43-9081.00 | Proofreaders and Copy Markers |
Wages & Employment Trends
Median wages (2019) | $35.03 hourly, $72,850 annual |
State wages | |
Local wages | |
Employment (2019) | 58,400 employees |
Projected growth (2019-2029) | ![]() |
Projected job openings (2019-2029) | 5,700 |
State trends | |
Top industries (2019) | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (35% employed in this sector)
Manufacturing (15%)
|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data
and 2019-2029 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2019-2029). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.