Technical Writers
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 530 | $70,940 | $34.11 | |
| Alaska | 210 | $61,750 | $29.69 | |
| Arizona | 630 | $81,600 | $39.23 | |
| Arkansas | 150 | $49,240 | $23.67 | |
| California | 5,420 | $100,730 | $48.43 | |
| Colorado | 2,250 | $79,570 | $38.26 | |
| Connecticut | 430 | $87,340 | $41.99 | |
| Delaware | 110 | $103,520 | $49.77 | |
| District of Columbia | 800 | $91,120 | $43.81 | |
| Florida | 2,610 | $72,420 | $34.82 | |
| Georgia | 1,130 | $77,370 | $37.20 | |
| Hawaii | $95,390 | $45.86 | ||
| Idaho | 260 | $59,420 | $28.57 | |
| Illinois | 1,620 | $71,880 | $34.56 | |
| Indiana | 920 | $76,070 | $36.57 | |
| Iowa | 380 | $66,940 | $32.19 | |
| Kansas | 370 | $66,190 | $31.82 | |
| Kentucky | 340 | $70,250 | $33.78 | |
| Louisiana | 240 | $67,440 | $32.43 | |
| Maryland | 1,990 | $87,560 | $42.10 | |
| Massachusetts | 2,060 | $97,440 | $46.85 | |
| Michigan | 1,170 | $71,590 | $34.42 | |
| Minnesota | 1,250 | $80,240 | $38.58 | |
| Mississippi | 70 | $74,720 | $35.92 | |
| Missouri | 500 | $77,850 | $37.43 | |
| Montana | 50 | $59,810 | $28.75 | |
| Nebraska | 210 | $57,390 | $27.59 | |
| Nevada | 160 | $80,290 | $38.60 | |
| New Hampshire | 160 | $81,490 | $39.18 | |
| New Jersey | 1,400 | $88,990 | $42.79 | |
| New Mexico | 410 | $75,660 | $36.37 | |
| New York | 1,920 | $86,530 | $41.60 | |
| North Carolina | $82,090 | $39.47 | ||
| North Dakota | 40 | $74,660 | $35.89 | |
| Ohio | 1,340 | $67,900 | $32.65 | |
| Oklahoma | 640 | $65,810 | $31.64 | |
| Oregon | 420 | $81,990 | $39.42 | |
| Pennsylvania | 2,270 | $76,480 | $36.77 | |
| Rhode Island | 110 | $83,380 | $40.09 | |
| South Carolina | 390 | $74,990 | $36.05 | |
| South Dakota | 110 | $55,790 | $26.82 | |
| Tennessee | 830 | $66,140 | $31.80 | |
| Texas | 3,300 | $76,650 | $36.85 | |
| Utah | 710 | $69,010 | $33.18 | |
| Vermont | 90 | $82,640 | $39.73 | |
| Virginia | 2,840 | $85,290 | $41.01 | |
| Washington | 1,470 | $86,620 | $41.65 | |
| West Virginia | 100 | $56,080 | $26.96 | |
| Wisconsin | 610 | $69,150 | $33.25 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the communication of technical and scientific knowledge to a variety of audiences through print, video, and digital media; and that prepares individuals to function as technical writers and editors, documentation developers, web designers, and usability specialists. Includes instruction in scientific and technical writing and editing, graphic and information design, web design, audience analysis, document usability and field testing, publications management, and applications to specific technical fields.
A program that focuses on communication of human sciences subject matter and related consumer information to a variety of audiences through print and non-print media.
A program that focuses on writing for applied and liberal arts purposes. Includes instruction in writing and document design in multiple genres, modes, and media; writing technologies; research, evaluation, and use of information; editing and publishing; theories and processes of composing; rhetorical theories, traditions, and analysis; communication across audiences, contexts, and cultures; and practical applications for professional, technical, organizational, academic, and public settings.
A program that focuses on professional, technical, business, and scientific writing; and that prepares individuals for academic positions or for professional careers as writers, editors, researchers, and related careers in business, government, non-profits, and the professions. Includes instruction in theories of rhetoric, writing, and digital literacy; document design, production, and management; visual rhetoric and multimedia composition; documentation development; usability testing; web writing; and publishing in print and electronic media.
A program that prepares individuals to function in an organization as a composer, editor, and proofreader of business or business-related communications.
A program that prepares individuals to develop and write grant proposals to support an organization or cause. Includes instruction in identifying grant opportunities, developing an effective proposal, budget justifications, and developing a working relationship with the funder.
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$81,470 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
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Less than 5 yearsTypical experience requirement
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Short-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as technical writers.
- Less than high school 0%
- High school graduate 5%
- College dropout 10%
- Associate’s degree 7%
- Bachelor’s degree 47%
- Master’s degree 23%
- Doctorate degree 8%
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