To become a technical writer you typically need a bachelor's degree, often in English, communications or journalism, plus knowledge of a technical subject such as engineering or computing. Many technical writers also start as specialists in a technical field and move into writing. Certification isn't required, but some associations offer it.
Technical writers turn complicated information into instructions people can follow. That means manuals, how-to guides, assembly instructions, journal articles and the help pages you read when a product isn't doing what you expected.
The facts below come from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for technical writers and the UK National Careers Service profile for technical authors, both read as of October 2026.
Technical writer pay and jobs at a glance
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median pay (May 2025) | $90,390 a year |
| Lowest 10% earned less than | $57,440 |
| Highest 10% earned more than | $145,270 |
| Jobs in 2025 | 46,400 |
| Projected growth, 2025 to 2035 | 1%, slower than average |
| Openings each year | About 3,200 |
Pay figures are May 2025 medians, as published as of October 2026. The growth number is low, but there are still thousands of openings a year as people retire or move on.
Two ways into technical writing
BLS describes two common routes, and you can pick whichever matches where you're starting from.
- The writing route. Employers generally prefer a bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism or a related field. You then add technical knowledge, often in engineering or computer and information technology.
- The specialist route. Some technical writers start as specialists or research assistants in a technical field. Over time they build communication skills and take on writing as their main job.
The second route is underrated. If you already work in software, engineering or science and you're the person colleagues ask to explain things, you're closer to this career than you might think.
How to become a technical writer, step by step
- Get a degree or use the one you have. A writing degree or a technical degree both work, as long as you build the other half of the skill set.
- Learn a technical subject in depth. BLS says jobs may need knowledge of engineering or IT, and knowing the product makes your writing more accurate.
- Build a portfolio. Write a short user guide, a set of FAQs or a troubleshooting page for a tool you know well.
- Expect some training. BLS says many technical writers need short-term on-the-job training to shift from a narrative style to a descriptive one.
- Consider certification. It isn't mandatory, but BLS says it can make you more attractive to employers and help with advancement. CareerOneStop lists options.
In small firms, BLS says, new writers may start on projects straight away. In large companies you're more likely to shadow experienced writers first.
Advancement usually means bigger, more complex projects, then leading or training junior writers. BLS also notes that a professional credential may help you move up, which is worth knowing if you plan to stay in the field for the long run.
Who hires technical writers
Professional, scientific and technical services employ the most, with 39% of jobs. The best-paid industry is a different one, though. BLS reported these medians for May 2025:
| Industry | Median pay (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Administrative and support services | $99,280 |
| Government | $95,480 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | $94,520 |
| Information | $86,400 |
| Manufacturing | $82,860 |
Where AI fits in
BLS raises it directly. It expects demand for writers who can explain complex products to keep growing, but says growth may be slowed by AI tools that make these writers more productive. In practice, that means the writers who do well are the ones who understand the product and the user, and use the tools to work faster.
If you want ideas for using those tools well, my ChatGPT prompts for technical writing are a useful starting point.
The UK route
In the UK the job is usually called a technical author. The National Careers Service says you'll usually need a degree, and you can also take technical or science communication courses at postgraduate level. You can apply to companies directly or through agencies that place technical authors, and the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators lists course providers.
Going freelance
BLS notes that some technical writers work freelance. If that's your plan, my guide to what a freelance technical writer needs to get started covers the practical setup.
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Skills that help
BLS lists six qualities for technical writers. The one that surprises people is imagination: you have to picture a product as someone with no technical knowledge would see it.
- Critical thinking to simplify complex information for readers without a technical background.
- Attention to detail because readers follow your instructions step by step.
- Teamwork with writers, designers, editors, illustrators and the engineers whose work you're explaining.
- Technical skills to understand complex information, helped by a background in engineering or science.
- Writing skills to explain technical information clearly.
When you put a portfolio together, show at least one piece where you took something confusing and made it simple. That's the whole job in one example.
Entry requirements differ from job to job, and the step-by-step insurance underwriter guide lists them for another role.
My verdict
Technical writing pays well for a writing career, with a BLS median of $90,390, and you can get in from either side: as a writer who learns a technical field, or a specialist who learns to write. Growth is slow and AI is changing the work, so pair clear writing with deep product knowledge and you'll stay useful.
Narrowing down your options? The web developer career guide describes one more role.
Related: the technical writing page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to be a technical writer?
BLS says technical writers typically need a bachelor's degree. Employers often prefer English, communications or journalism, plus knowledge of a technical subject.
Can you become a technical writer without experience?
Yes, in some firms. BLS says entry-level writers in small firms may start on projects right away, while large companies often have them shadow experienced writers first.
How much do technical writers make?
BLS reported a median of $90,390 a year in May 2025, with the highest 10% earning more than $145,270, as of October 2026.
Is technical writing being replaced by AI?
BLS says AI tools may slow employment growth by making writers more productive, but it still expects demand for writers who can explain complex products.
Do technical writers need certification?
No. BLS says certification isn't mandatory, but it can make you more attractive to employers and may help you advance.
