What Does a Technical Writer Do?
A technical writer develops clear, user-friendly documentation that translates complex technical information into readable content for various audiences. They work closely with subject matter experts to produce manuals, how-to guides, system specifications, FAQs, white papers, and help documentation. Their goal is to improve product usability and reduce the learning curve for end users.
Technical writers often support cross-functional teams, gathering information through interviews, product testing, and research. Their deliverables may serve internal audiences (such as training teams and support staff) or external users (like customers and clients). They play a critical role in software development, IT services, healthcare technology, and manufacturing, any field where processes or products require detailed instructions or documentation.
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Technical Writer Core Responsibilities
- Collaborate with engineers, developers, and product teams to gather technical information
- Develop and maintain user manuals, installation guides, API documentation, and training materials
- Translate technical jargon into concise, understandable language
- Edit and proofread documentation for clarity, accuracy, and consistency
- Use authoring tools and content management systems to publish documents
- Update existing documentation as products evolve
- Follow established style guides and document templates
- Work with QA or product testing teams to ensure documentation matches functionality
- Manage multiple documentation projects and meet strict deadlines
- Ensure compliance with industry and legal standards for documentation
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in documentation tools such as MadCap Flare, FrameMaker, or Microsoft Word
- Familiarity with markup languages like XML, HTML, or Markdown
- Experience using version control systems (e.g., Git)
- Strong editing and formatting skills
- Understanding of technical concepts related to software, hardware, or engineering
Soft skills
- Ability to simplify complex ideas for non-technical audiences
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Critical thinking and the ability to ask the right questions
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, technical writing, computer science, or a related field
Certifications
Certifications are not required, but credentials like the Society for Technical Communication (STC) Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) or Microsoft Certified: Technical Documentation Expert can be advantageous.
Technical Writer Preferred Qualifications
- Experience writing software documentation or developer guides
- Background in a regulated industry such as healthcare, finance, or aerospace
- Familiarity with Agile development methodologies
- Knowledge of UX/UI best practices and how they impact documentation
National Average Salary
Technical writer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Technical Writer is:
$86,648
Sample Technical Writer Job Descriptions
Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional technical writer. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.
Example 1: Junior Technical Writer
Position overview
A Junior Technical Writer supports documentation projects by drafting and updating content under the guidance of senior writers or engineers. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals who enjoy translating technical information into explicit, understandable content and are looking to develop their skills in a structured environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist in creating user guides, knowledge base articles, and internal process documentation
- Collaborate with senior writers and technical staff to gather source information
- Format and edit existing content for clarity and consistency
- Follow established style guides and templates
- Track changes and version history using version control tools
- Participate in documentation reviews and revise content as needed
- Learn and apply basic markup or authoring tools
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong grammar, writing, and proofreading abilities
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, or basic documentation tools
- Understanding of content structure and layout best practices
- Ability to research and synthesize technical information
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and take direction
- Strong attention to detail and quality
- Collaborative mindset and good communication skills
- Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, technical writing, or a related field
Preferred qualifications
- Internship or freelance experience in technical or professional writing
- Exposure to tools like Markdown, Confluence, or Git
- Basic understanding of technical topics like software, hardware, or cloud computing
Example 2: Mid-Level Technical Writer
Position overview
A Mid-Level Technical Writer creates and maintains product documentation, technical manuals, and user-facing content with minimal supervision. They manage documentation sets independently, participate in project meetings, and contribute to documentation strategy within cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop end-user manuals, product guides, system documentation, and help content
- Work directly with engineers, product managers, and QA teams to gather technical details
- Lead documentation efforts for specific projects or product features
- Maintain and improve content quality through reviews and updates
- Ensure documentation aligns with brand, style, and accessibility standards
- Use CMS or document authoring tools to publish content
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in documentation tools such as MadCap Flare, Confluence, or FrameMaker
- Experience with HTML, Markdown, or XML
- Ability to manage document versions and updates using Git or similar tools
- Competence in analyzing and explaining technical systems or APIs
Soft skills
- Strong written communication and information design skills
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Comfortable interacting with both technical and non-technical teams
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in technical writing, English, computer science, or a related field
Preferred qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in technical writing or a related documentation role
- Familiarity with Agile or Scrum project environments
- Experience with localization or documentation translation workflows
Example 3: Lead Technical Writer
Position overview
A Lead Technical Writer oversees the documentation function for a company or product line. This senior-level role involves setting standards, mentoring junior writers, and producing high-impact documentation that supports both customers and internal users. They often serve as the primary point of contact for documentation between product and engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and execution of documentation across multiple teams or products
- Define documentation processes, templates, and content standards
- Mentor and review the work of junior writers and contractors
- Own documentation deliverables for complex or regulated systems
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align on messaging and structure
- Drive improvements in user experience through documentation quality
- Participate in audits or regulatory documentation efforts if applicable
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in advanced documentation tools and CMS platforms
- Strong command of markup languages and version control practices
- Deep understanding of the technologies being documented
- Ability to build and maintain scalable content libraries
Soft skills
- Leadership and team development capabilities
- Strategic thinking and cross-department collaboration
- High-level attention to accuracy and user-centric writing
- Ability to handle complex projects under tight timelines
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in technical communication, engineering, computer science, or a related field
Certifications
Certifications such as CPTC (Certified Professional Technical Communicator) or AWS/Azure documentation certifications are preferred
Preferred qualifications
- 5+ years of technical writing experience, including team or project leadership
- Background in a regulated industry or enterprise-level software
- Experience developing an API or developer documentation