Technical Writer

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  Career Profile

Technical Writer

What they do

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Also Called: Documentation Designer, Documentation Specialist, Engineering Writer, Information Developer, Medical Writer, Narrative Writer, Requirements Analyst, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer, Documentation Designer, Documentation Specialist, Engineering Writer, Information Developer, Medical Writer, Narrative Writer, Requirements Analyst, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer

$48,630
Starting Salary (2023)
$80,050
Median Salary (2023)
6.9%
Projected Job Growth
47,970
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Initiative
Cooperation
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Writing
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning

Expected Knowledge

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Common Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

More Info

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