Technical Writers
Technical writers create instruction manuals, guides, and maintenance documentation for equipment and software. They work across industries including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and aerospace. Technical writers often collaborate with engineers and subject matter experts to translate complex information into clear, usable documents.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against technical writers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Technical writers spend time researching equipment or systems, interviewing engineers, and reviewing specifications. They write and edit procedural documents, create diagrams or incorporate visuals, and test instructions for clarity. Much work involves revising content based on feedback and ensuring accuracy across multiple document versions before publication.
Who this work suits
Holland code CAI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy organizing complex information into clear, structured formats and take satisfaction in precision and correctness. If you're drawn to both systematic processes and creative problem-solving in communication, this work suits you—balancing the conventional demand for accuracy with the artistic challenge of making technical material accessible.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Technical Writer · Patent and Trademark Office · Alexandria, Virginia · $121785–$158322
- TECHNICAL WRITER-EDITOR · Defense Health Agency · Aberdeen, Maryland · $70623–$91815
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $83,150 | $122,320 | $135,010 | 1,550 |
| District of Columbia | $84,990 | $117,810 | $128,610 | 440 |
| Massachusetts | $86,060 | $109,200 | $134,620 | 1,850 |
| Washington | $78,680 | $104,070 | $131,940 | 1,620 |
| California | $84,250 | $104,000 | $141,280 | 5,280 |
| Rhode Island | $81,780 | $102,360 | $105,640 | 150 |
| Connecticut | $83,220 | $101,870 | $116,660 | 770 |
| Maryland | $79,730 | $100,990 | $125,440 | 1,780 |
| Colorado | $82,060 | $100,610 | $123,490 | 1,320 |
| New York | $73,440 | $98,310 | $121,500 | 1,610 |
| New Hampshire | $72,810 | $96,300 | $109,430 | 230 |
| New Mexico | $63,440 | $94,970 | $125,980 | 420 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) — National Resume Writers Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against technical writers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-3042.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.