Technical Writing Career Outlook

Technical Writing as a Professional Career

Technical writing has become one of the most competitive and high-paying fields of professional writing, since a couple of years, due to the increase in demand for documentation of technical documents and manuals. Credit for popularity goes to the new discoveries and inventions in science and technology, which are taking place at a pace faster than ever.

Technical writing has also become a necessity because companies find it extremely important to communicate to both the techy and non- techy users about the new technology products, models and processes.
Job Description of a Technical Writer
How do I Become a Technical Writer?

You can always become a technical writer provided you have a degree, diploma or a high level of interest in any technical field such as computer software, chemistry, physics, mechanics; plus a good knowledge and understanding of the objective style practiced in technical writing.
Opportunities for Technical Writers

Due to recession, companies are laying off even their most technical and significant staff. If you have graduated in a technical field and are unable to find a suitable job or a technical person who recently lost job, you can always make thousands of dollars by putting your technical knowledge to writing.
Process of Becoming a Technical Writer

The process of becoming a technical writer includes proficiency acquirement in 2 areas:

1. Knowledge of the targeted technical field
2. Good command over objective style of writing
Salaries of Technical Writers

The average salaries of technical writers vary between the range $70,000 to $80,000 per year. With high paying companies like Cisco, Kodak, Nokia and Microsoft the salary range may go up to $1000,000 per annum as well.

The wages for technical writers also varies with location. Some states with high range of salaries are Virgin Islands, Mississippi, Columbia, New York and West Virginia
Popular Technical Writing Fields and Careers

Through this article, you will be able to find the currently popular best technical writing fields.
Computer Software

Companies are increasingly creating and upgrading software applications. The development indicates the significant need of technical writers because with every new piece of software developed, there is a dire need to write manuals, marketing materials, training guides, how-to guides and troubleshooting manuals for the users.
Computer Hardware

Manufacturers for computer hardware and equipment are mostly in search of technical writers who could create operational manuals, instructional and troubleshooting guides for end users. These manuals are not only helpful for the customers but also those who would use these hardware parts to create finished products.
IT Technology

We are living in a world where every other thing is technology based. Take a look at your cell phones, laptops, television sets, DVD players, electronic appliances and gadgets; all employ technology in one way or the other. Companies making tech based products are always on the hunt for writers who have penchant for technology
Medical

Prescriptions, drug manuals, health FAQS, disease guides are the documents which a technical writer working in the medical writing field is expected to produce.
Scientific Fields

There is a high demand for technical writers who could write reports and descriptions of various scientific discoveries. These reports are usually published in scientific magazines, journals and periodicals.
Engineering

Engineering companies seek the expertise of technical writers to create manuals, presentations, models, illustrations, reports, design specifications for engineers and technicians so that they could carry out their jobs smoothly.
Automobile Industry

Automobile firms are always in search of technical writers who could describe the steel cabins in a way that pulls in the target customers. Technical writers are also required to create installation manuals of cars for those into the car repairing and modifying business; and also guide book for the car owners.
This article is written by Feisty Ash. To know more about Technical writing fields, careers and degree programs for technical writing visit www.writeawriting.com