Job+Outlook

= Job Outlook =
 * Here we provide actual data for Technical Writers. **

Job Description
//Technical writers//, also called //technical communicators//, put technical information into easily understandable language. They work primarily in information-technology-related industries, coordinating the development and dissemination of technical content for a variety of users; however, a growing number of technical communicators are using technical content to resolve business communications problems in a diversifying number of industries. Included in their products are operating instructions, how-to manuals, assembly instructions, and other documentation needed for online help and by technical support staff, consumers, and other users within the company or industry. Technical writers also develop documentation for computer programs and set up communications systems with consumers to assess customer satisfaction and quality control matters. In addition, they commonly work in engineering, scientific, healthcare, and other areas in which highly specialized material needs to be explained to a diverse audience, often of laypersons.
 * Nature of the work**

Advances in computer and communications technologies make it possible for technical writers to work from almost anywhere. Laptop computers and wireless communications permit technical writers to work from home, an office, or on the road. The ability to use the Internet to e-mail, transmit, and download information and assignments, conduct research, or review materials allows them greater flexibility in where and how they complete assignments.
 * Work environment**

Technical writers must have excellent writing and communication skills and be able to express ideas clearly and logically in a variety of media. Increasingly, technical writers need familiarity with electronic publishing, graphics, and sound and video production. Also needed is knowledge of computer software for combining online text with graphics, audio, video, and animation, as well as the ability to manage large, complex, and interconnected files.
 * Education and training**

Employment
Technical writers held about 48,900 jobs in 2008. There are technical writers in almost every industry, but they are concentrated in industries related to computer systems and software, publishing (except Internet), science, and engineering. The industry that employed the most technical writers in 2008 was the computer systems design industry, which had 18 percent of these workers. The second-largest employer was the computer and electronic manufacturing industry, with 8 percent of workers. Software publishers; architectural, engineering, and related services; management, scientific, and technical consulting services; and scientific research and development services industries also employed a sizeable number of technical writers. Two percent of technical writers were self-employed in 2008.
 * Current situation**

Employment of technical writers is expected to grow 18 percent, or faster than the average for all occupations, from 2008 to 2018. Demand over this decade is expected to increase because of the continuing expansion of scientific and technical information and the growing presence of customer service and Web-based product support networks. Legal, scientific, and technological developments and discoveries will generate demand for people who can interpret technical information for a general audience. Rapid growth and change in the high-technology and electronics industries will result in a greater need for people who can write users' guides, instruction manuals, and training materials in a variety of formats and communicate information clearly to others. This occupation requires workers who are both skilled writers and effective communicators and familiar with a specialized subject area.
 * Employment change**

Employment and Earnings
Employment, 2018 ||||= Change, 2008-18 ||||= Detailed Statistics ||
 * Employment data**
 * = Occupational Title ||= SOC Code ||= Employment, 2008 ||= Projected
 * = Technical writers || 27-3042 ||> 48,900 ||> 57,800 ||||> 8,900 || [[|PDF]] || [[|XLS]] ||
 * NOTE: Data in this table are rounded. See the discussion of the employment projections table in the //Handbook// introductory chapter on [|Occupational Information Included in the Handbook]. ||

Median annual wages for salaried technical writers were $61,620 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $47,100 and $78,910. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,460. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest number of technical writers were:
 * Earnings**
 * Software publishers || $71,640 ||
 * Computer systems design and related services || 64,380 ||
 * Management, scientific, and technical consulting services || 62,920 ||
 * Employment services || 61,810 ||
 * Architectural, engineering, and related services || 60,140 ||

Information on this page is retrieved from: Bureau of Labor Statistics //http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos319.htm//