Technical Writers
27-3042.00
Bright Outlook Updated 2024

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, Information Developer, Medical Writer, Narrative Writer, Requirements Analyst, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImportanceCategoryTask
93
 
Core
Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
81
 
Core
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
76
 
Core
Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
75
 
Core
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
74
 
Core
Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
74
 
Core
Develop or maintain online help documentation.
71
 
Core
Assist in laying out material for publication.
71
 
Core
Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
71
 
Core
Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
70
 
Core
Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
68
 
Core
Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
68
 
Core
Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
67
 
Core
Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
66
 
Core
Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
63
 
Core
Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.
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Worker Requirements

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 35%
     
    Associate’s degree required
  • 33%
     
    Bachelor’s degree required
  • 16%
     
    Some college, no degree required

Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
72
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
54
 
Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2022)
$38.44 hourly, $79,960 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
53,300 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Faster than average (5% to 8%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
4,800
State trends
Top industries (2022)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data and 2022-2032 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings