Technical writers specialize in preparing scientific and technical material for the professional members of a special field, detailing new developments and the work of others in the same field. On other assignments, the writer may write for those outside the field-the general public, equipment users, company officers, and stockholders.
Technical writers also prepare operating manuals, catalogs, and instructional materials for manufacturers of scientific equipment. This material is used by company salespeople, technicians who install and maintain the equipment, and the persons who operate the equipment. Writing manuals and training aids for military equipment and weapons is a highly specialized segment of this field.
Research laboratories employ many technical writers who report on the results of research projects. Others write proposals—requests for money or facilities to do research, conduct a project, or develop a prototype of a new product.
Technical writers also write technical books, articles for popular and trade magazines and newspapers, and prepare advertising copy and press releases.
Technical writers are employed by firms in many industries, with the largest numbers working for electronics, aviation, aerospace, weapons, chemical, pharmaceutical, and computer-manufacturing industries. The energy, communications, and computer-software fields are employing increasing numbers of technical writers.
The federal government employs many technical writers in the departments of Interior; Agriculture; Health and Human Services; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The largest federal employer of technical writers, however, is the Department of Defense.
Publishing houses employ substantial numbers of technical writers and technical editors. These companies publish business and trade publications and professional journals in engineering, medicine, physics, chemistry, and other sciences. Textbook publishers also employ technical writers and editors.
Many technical writers work as free-lancers, sometimes in addition to holding a full-time technical writing job.
Most people do not enter this field directly from college. They usually spend several years or longer working as technicians, scientists, engineers, research assistants, or teachers before turning to technical writing or editing.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Technical writers have interesting work that requires creativity. They must be able to work well with other people, but free-lance writers must have the discipline to work alone and set schedules that will allow them to meet deadlines. Technical writers usually work between 30 and 40 hours a week. They may be required to work extra hours at times in order to meet deadlines.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
In addition to having writing skills and scientific or technical knowledge, a technical writer should be logical, accurate, and able to work alone or as part of a team, and have disciplined work habits.
High school courses should develop writing skills and must include science and mathematics.
Technical writers come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Some employers prefer a degree in English, journalism, or technical communications plus course work or experience in a specific scientific or technical subject. Others prefer a degree in an appropriate science or in engineering with a minor in journalism or technical communications. A few colleges and universities offer bachelor's and graduate degrees in technical writing.
Many technical writing workshops and seminars, usually intensive one-and two-week courses, are also available at colleges and universities throughout the country.
Potential and Advancement
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for technical writers will grow by 10% between 2014 and 2024, providing good opportunities for those hoping to get into the field or rise up from within it. Job opportunities will be best for talented writers with education in a specific scientific or technical field. Opportunities for federal employment have been declining and will probably continue to do so.
Technical writers can move up to technical editor or to supervisory and management positions. Some advance by opening their own firms where they handle technical writing assignments plus industrial publicity and technical advertising.
Income
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for technical writers in 2015 was $70,240.
