How to become technical writerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$90,390
25th–75th pct. $70,880–$115,510
Top pay (est.)
$188,900
Top 10% $145,270
Pay in 5 years
$100,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$111,200est.
$95,600–$129,100
Outlook score
40/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
75%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+0.8%
3,200 openings / yr
How to become technical writers
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Technical Writers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesAnalyzing Data or InformationDocumenting/Recording Information
Important abilities
Written ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionNear VisionOral ExpressionDeductive Reasoning
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as technical writers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.