As the name suggests, tech writing is the combination of technology and writing. It’s a blend of the two fields that results in wire-services such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Companies like these that publish white papers and translate complex technology topics into understandable plain texts for the general public are in high demand. And this could be a lucrative career for you.
The Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for software developers and analysts is expected to grow 27% from 2016 to 2026.
The demand for software developers and analysts is expected to rise because companies and organizations need technical writers to document complex software and the results of their analyses. And what type of documents do they need? They need white papers, reports, and presentations to explain concepts, showcase their analyses, and give an overall understanding of how a product or technology works.
Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in the field of technical writing will grow 21% from 2016 to 2026.
Based on these projections, if you’re looking for a rewarding career, tech writing is a good choice. You can also look into the various specialized areas within the field, such as data science or product management, which may have more lucrative opportunities.
The Various Specialized Areas
Data scientists are those individuals who collect data, analyze it, and summarize the findings in the form of reports, presentations, and white papers.
Their findings may come from a survey they conducted, a study of a particular group of people, the results of a simulation, or any combination of these or more traditional methods. The data they collect and analyze may be used to predict consumer behavior or determine the viability of a new product or service.
As a data scientist, you may specialize in one area of data collection, analysis, and interpretation, or you may choose to be a jack of all trades and master of none. The key is that you must be able to present your findings in the form of a white paper or other such technical documentation.
Your specialty does not necessarily have to be related to numbers. While most data scientists are associated with the world of numbers, the field requires you to be able to analyze qualitative information, as well. This could include anything from information about consumer behavior to how a product or service works in practice.
As a technical writer specializing in data science, you will conduct research, read published works, and keep up with new developments in your field. You’ll need to have a good knowledge of computer programs, such as R or Python, to be able to analyze data. Additionally, you’ll need to be able to write descriptive text, analyze results, and create detailed reports for clients or internal teams.
How to Become a Tech Writer
There are two primary ways to become a tech writer. You can either attend graduate school and get a degree in technical writing, or you can get an advanced degree in computer science and follow the path to a career as a technical communicator. The choice is entirely up to you.
If you’re looking for a degree that will land you a job right away, consider getting a master’s in technical writing. Many companies already have someone on their staff with a master’s in technical writing, so you’ll have no trouble finding employment. You can also look into getting a professional qualification, such as the Certified Technical Communication Specialist (CTCSS) credential from the International Technical Communication Organization (ITCO).
The Degrees
In order to study technical writing, you need to first obtain a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or physical science. Additionally, you may want to consider getting a minor in mathematics or statistics, as these subjects are essential to understanding numbers and how they’re used in the context of data analysis. If you already have a background in science or math you may find that some of the topics covered in your introductory computer science classes are applicable to technical writing. This is particularly the case for computer programming, and even more so for computer networks and digital security.
The Salary
Depending on your location, you may find that the salary for a technical writer ranges from just above $30,000 to around $60,000 per year. However, experienced writers may command salaries above $100,000 per year. A senior editor at a New York firm made $140,000 per year plus bonuses and benefits. There are numerous opportunities to land a job as a technical writer, so make sure you’re prepared to accept any job offer. You may find it beneficial to look for jobs in remote areas where you can grow your career. This could mean moving to a different state or country.
Even in your own area, it’s always good to know what firms and organizations are paying their staff. With so many opportunities available, you may find it beneficial to network, look up the job listings, and send in your application. You may get a better sense of what is achievable for your current qualifications and work experience. Many companies and educational institutions offer certification and licensure in technical writing. You may find that some of these provide greater employment opportunities than others. Speak with a reputable technical recruiter or call the ITCO at 866-424-8383 to inquire about licensure requirements for technical writers.