Exploring the Career of a Technical Writer: What They Do and How to Get Started

Published on: July 14, 2025

Clear, concise and essential to nearly every industry, technical writing is a career that blends communication skills with subject-matter expertise. Whether crafting user manuals for new software, translating complex medical procedures into plain language or documenting engineering protocols, technical writers play a vital part in helping others understand and use technical information. As more companies across industries prioritize user experience and compliance, demand for skilled writers remains steady.

In this guide, you’ll delve into:

What technical writers do
Where they work
The skills you’ll need to succeed
How to become a technical writer and launch a career in this rewarding, remote-friendly field

History and Evolution of Technical Writing

Adapting to new tools, technologies and communication needs, technical writing has evolved alongside human innovation.

Early Foundations

The origins of technical writing can be traced back to ancient times, when detailed records and instructional texts were carved into stone or written on scrolls. From architectural blueprints to military manuals, early forms of technical documentation were essential for passing down knowledge — standardizing practices and guiding large-scale projects.

The Rise of Technology and Documentation

The Industrial Revolution brought rapid technological advancement and, with it, a greater need for documentation. As machines and manufacturing processes grew more complex, so did the demand for manuals, guides and technical specifications. By the mid-20th century, technical writing emerged as a distinct profession, particularly in industries like aerospace, defense and engineering.

The Digital Age and Modern Technical Writing

With the rise of personal computing and the internet, technical writing underwent a major transformation. Writers began creating online documentation and interactive/digital tutorials. Today’s technical writers work with software development teams, use content management systems and often collaborate across time zones. The role now extends into user experience (UX) writing, application programming interface (API) documentation and multimedia content — reflecting a shift toward user-centric, agile communication.

What Does a Technical Writer Do?

Technical writers transform complex information into user-friendly content that supports understanding, usability and compliance. Their responsibilities vary by industry, but most roles share a foundation in documentation and effective communication.

Common Responsibilities of a Technical Writer

So, what does a technical writer do, more specifically?

Write user manuals, instruction guides and product documentation to help end-users operate tools, software or machinery effectively.
Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure consistency and accuracy in business operations.
Translate technical jargon into understandable language for target audiences with varying levels of expertise.
Work with software teams to develop help documentation and release notes that communicate product updates and features.
Edit and revise technical documents to maintain clarity, accuracy and consistency across deliverables.
Collaborate with designers and developers to create visuals, diagrams or infographics that enhance understanding.
Uphold compliance with industry and accessibility standards to meet legal, safety and usability requirements.

Where Do Technical Writers Work?

Technical writers are critical across a wide range of industries, supporting organizations wherever complex information needs to be communicated clearly and effectively. While many associate the role with the tech sector, opportunities span healthcare, government, finance and beyond.

Software and tech companies – Technical writers produce documentation, UX content, product manuals and release notes to support developers and end-users alike. They often work closely with engineers and product teams in fast-paced, agile environments.
Healthcare organizations – Technical writers document clinical protocols, create patient education materials and help ensure compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA and FDA guidelines.
Engineering or manufacturing firms – They develop equipment manuals, assembly instructions and maintenance guides that help operators safely and efficiently use complex machinery.
Government agencies – They prepare policy documents, public-facing reports, training materials and procedural documentation to support transparency and consistency.
Financial institutions – Technical writers help clarify financial products, services and regulatory requirements through detailed documentation, internal manuals and client guides.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of technical writers is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033.

Skills Needed to Become a Technical Writer

Successful technical writers combine strong communication with the ability to understand and simplify complex information. Below are the core competencies that help professionals excel in technical writer jobs.

Core Skills

Writing and grammar expertise – A solid command of language is essential for producing clear, accurate and user-friendly documentation.
Technical proficiency – While not always required to be subject-matter experts, technical writers must understand the tools, systems or products they’re writing about — such as in fields like software, engineering or healthcare.
Information design – Organizing content logically and visually for easy navigation is integral to improving user comprehension and engagement.
Research and interviewing – Writers often gather information by reading technical specifications, interviewing subject-matter experts or reviewing existing documentation.
Editing and revision – Strong editing skills ensure documents are polished, accurate and consistent in tone and style of writing.
Tool proficiency – Familiarity with authoring tools like Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, Microsoft Word and content management systems (CMS) is often required.
Communication and collaboration – Technical writers frequently work with cross-functional teams, so the ability to ask the right questions and build relationships with stakeholders is crucial.

How to Become a Technical Writer

Breaking into the field of technical writing requires a mix of education, skill development and practical experience. Here’s a quick, step-by-step guide to help you get started on the path to becoming a technical writer.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Most technical writing positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. Common areas of study include English, professional writing, communications or a technical field like computer science, engineering or biology — depending on the industry you’re targeting.

Step 2: Build a Writing Portfolio

A strong portfolio is key to showcasing your skills. Include samples of instructional guides, manuals, process documents or other technical content. If you’re just starting out, consider creating mock documentation or volunteering for open-source projects to build experience.

Step 3: Learn Industry Tools

Technical writers often use specialized software to create, edit and manage documentation. Familiarize yourself with the tools mentioned above (like Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, Microsoft Word, XML editors and various CMSs). Experience with diagramming tools or screen capture software is also valuable.

Step 4: Gain Experience in a Specialized Field (Optional)

In some industries — such as healthcare, IT or engineering — having domain-specific knowledge can give you a competitive edge. Consider internships, certifications or part-time work in your chosen field to build credibility and context.

Step 5: Apply for Entry-Level Technical Writer Jobs

Once you have the foundation in place, the final step of how to become a technical writer is applying for entry-level roles. Many positions are now remote or hybrid, offering flexibility as you progress in your career. For example, look for titles like:

“Junior technical writer”
“Documentation specialist”
“Technical communications associate”

Career Paths and Advancement Opportunities

What does a technical writer do in terms of specific positions and career trajectories? As they gain experience and expand their skills, a variety of career advancement opportunities become available. No matter if you prefer to stay hands-on with content creation or move into strategic leadership, the field provides multiple pathways for growth:

Senior technical writer – With several years of experience, technical writers can advance to senior roles — taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior writers and serving as subject-matter experts within their organizations.
Content strategist – These strategists focus on planning, developing and managing content across platforms (from blog articles to social media). This role involves setting documentation standards, aligning content with business goals and maintaining consistent user experiences.
UX writer – User experience writers collaborate closely with design teams to create interface text that guides users through apps, websites and software. This role blends technical writing skills with a deep understanding of user behavior and design thinking.
Documentation manager – Experienced writers with strong leadership and organizational skills may transition into management positions to oversee documentation teams, set workflow processes and uphold quality and consistency across content deliverables.
Information architect – Information architects design the structure and organization of digital content, ensuring users can find and understand information efficiently. This role often involves taxonomy development, metadata strategy and user research.

Salary Expectations for Technical Writers

Technical writers typically start with a solid mid- to high-five-figure annual salary, with strong prospects to reach six figures as they gain experience, specialize or move into higher-paying industries or regions. Given the continued demand in the profession, technical writing offers competitive salaries, often above many other media and communication fields. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for technical writers in May 2024 was $91,670 — significantly higher than the median for all occupations, which stood at $49,500.

Advantages of a Career in Technical Writing

A career in technical writing delivers a unique blend of stability, creativity and professional growth. Whether you’re drawn to clear communication, love working with technology or value flexibility, this field presents a range of benefits that appeal to diverse professionals:

Demand across industries – From software to healthcare, nearly every industry needs skilled technical writers to produce clear, accurate documentation. This creates strong job security and versatility in career options.
Remote and flexible work opportunities – Many technical writing roles are fully remote or hybrid — offering flexibility in where and how you work and making it an ideal career for those seeking work-life balance.
Continuous learning – Because technical writers often work on the cutting edge of new products, tools and systems, the role provides constant learning opportunities and exposure to innovative technologies.
Strong earning potential – With above-average salaries and opportunities for advancement, technical writing is a lucrative option for competent communicators.
Opportunities for specialization – Allowing for personalized career development based on interests and strengths, writers can specialize in areas like UX writing, API documentation, healthcare communication and compliance.
Impactful work – Technical writers help users understand and safely interact with complex tools, systems and information — playing a central role in product success and customer satisfaction.

Ready to Start Your Technical Writing Career?

At Park University, our Bachelor of Arts in English and Professional Writing is a versatile degree program that helps students build analysis skills and expertise in curating communication across a variety of media. To learn more, request information today.