Are you looking for ways to earn some extra money with your writing skills? If so, have you considered exploring careers in technical writing? With the rise of technology and the increasing demand for clear and concise communication, technical writing has become an essential component of various industries.
From software documentation to medical writing, there are many opportunities for writers specializing in technical communication. In this article, we will explore ten careers in technical writing that you can pursue to supplement your income. So, let’s dive in and discover the world of technical writing together!
The Significance of Technical Writing in Different Industries and Its Career Growth Potential
Technical writing refers to creating clear and concise documents that convey complex technical information to a non-technical audience. It plays a vital role in various industries, such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing, by providing accurate and easily understandable information about products, services, and processes.
Technical writers use their expertise to create user manuals, instructional guides, technical reports, and other materials that help users understand and use a product or service. The demand for skilled technical writers is rising, making it an excellent career choice for those interested in writing and technology. Technical writer career growth is expected to be significant due to the increasing need for clear communication in today’s fast-paced technological world.
10 Technical Writing Careers That Can Help You Earn Extra Income
Freelance Technical Writer
It is a self-employed writer who works on a project basis for various clients. They create technical documents, including user manuals, white papers, and instructional guides. Technical writers can work on multiple projects and set their rates as freelancers. The following are the necessary skills and qualifications for a freelance technical writer.
- Excellent writing skills and attention to detail.
- Strong understanding of technical concepts and terminology.
- Proficiency in computer software, such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat.
- Ability to manage time effectively and work independently.
To better understand technical writing, here are some reviews from specialized writers.
- “As a freelance technical writer, I enjoy the flexibility to choose my projects and work from home. It’s a great way to earn extra income while doing something I love.”
- “Being a technical writer requires attention to detail and the ability to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms. It’s a challenging but rewarding career.”
- “I love working as a technical writer, especially in the science and medical fields. It’s a great way to combine my passion for writing with my interest in these industries.”
- “Technical writing requires a lot of research and understanding of technical jargon. So it’s not for everyone, but it can be a very fulfilling career if you have the skills and interest.”
- “As a technical writer, I enjoy the variety of projects I work on. There’s always something new and challenging, from user manuals to marketing materials.”
Technical Blogger
They create content for websites or blogs that discuss technical concepts, products, or services. Their articles help readers understand complex technical information in a more accessible manner. In addition, technical bloggers can generate income by displaying site advertisements, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. To become a successful technical blogger, you must have the following skills and qualifications.
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to write in a conversational tone.
- Strong understanding of technical concepts and the ability to explain them in a way that is easy for non-technical readers to understand.
- Proficiency in search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve the blog’s visibility in search engine results.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and their usage to promote the blog and increase its readership.
The following reviews from technical writers offer insights into their experiences.
- “I love being a technical blogger because it allows me to share my knowledge and passion for technology with a broader audience. In addition, it’s a great way to earn extra income while doing something I enjoy.”
- “As a technical blogger, I constantly strive to make complex technical concepts easy to understand for my readers. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience.”
- “Blogging is a fun way to explore various aspects of technical writing. I enjoy trying new things like writing reviews, tutorials, and guides.”
- “As a technical blogger, I enjoy the creative freedom to write about interesting topics. Plus, the potential for revenue from affiliate marketing and sponsored content is a nice bonus.”
- “Technical blogging requires a mix of writing skills and technical knowledge, but the result can be a fun and informative read for a wider audience.”
White Paper Writer
The writers create in-depth reports that provide detailed information about a particular topic. White papers are often used in marketing to establish a company’s expertise and credibility in a specific industry. White paper writers can work on a project basis for various clients or a marketing or consulting firm. A white paper writer must possess certain specific skills and qualifications, such as the following.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to craft a clear and concise message.
- Proficiency in research and the ability to synthesize technical information into a compelling narrative.
- Understanding of the target audience and the ability to tailor the news to their needs and interests.
- Familiarity with marketing and business concepts and the industry for which the white paper is written.
Technical writers provide their opinions and insights in the following reviews.
- “As a white paper writer, I enjoy the challenge of distilling complex technical information into a compelling narrative. In addition, it’s a satisfying experience to see your work help establish a company’s credibility and expertise in a particular industry.”
- “White paper writing requires an eye for detail and the ability to write in a persuasive tone. It’s a great way to earn extra income while leveraging your writing and research skills.”
- “I love being a white paper writer because it allows me to dive deep into a particular topic and explore it from various angles. In addition, it’s a rewarding experience to see your work used to inform and educate others.”
- “White paper writing requires a mix of technical and marketing knowledge. It’s a challenging but lucrative field for those who can balance these two aspects of writing.”
- “As a white paper writer, I appreciate the variety of topics I get to explore.”
Technical Proposal Writer
They produce compelling proposals for potential clients or funding agencies. They often work in the engineering or construction industry and require an understanding of technical concepts and terminology. Here are some skills and qualifications necessary for a technical proposal writer.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to craft a compelling proposal that aligns with the client’s needs and goals.
- Understanding of technical concepts and terminology related to the engineering or construction industry.
- Proficiency in research and the ability to synthesize complex technical information into a coherent proposal.
- Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
To understand the perspective of technical writers, here are some reviews.
- “Technical proposal writing is a challenging but rewarding career that requires a mix of technical and writing skills. It’s a great way to earn extra income while helping clients achieve their business goals.”
- “As a technical proposal writer, I enjoy researching and understanding complex technical concepts and translating them into a clear and concise proposal. It’s a challenging yet fulfilling experience.”
- “Technical proposal writing requires attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. However, the satisfaction of seeing your work in a project makes it all worth it.”
- “I appreciate the diversity of projects I work on as a technical proposal writer. It’s a great way to keep learning while leveraging your writing and technical skills.”
- “Technical proposal writing is vital to the engineering and construction industry. As a proposal writer, you play a crucial role in helping clients win projects and achieve their business objectives.”
Technical Marketing Writer
It refers to creating content that promotes a company’s technical products or services. For example, they collaborate with the marketing team to develop technical descriptions, features, and benefits of products to help attract customers. To excel as a technical marketing writer, you must meet certain specific requirements, including the following.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences in a clear and concise manner.
- Understanding of technical products or services and the ability to describe features and benefits to attract customers.
- Knowledge of marketing principles and strategies to create effective marketing materials.
- Collaboration and communication skills to work with the marketing team and other stakeholders to develop content that aligns with the company’s goals.
Here are some reviews from technical writers.
- “Technical marketing writing requires creativity and the ability to explain technical concepts in a way that resonates with potential customers. It’s a fun and challenging way to earn extra income while leveraging your writing skills.”
- “As a technical marketing writer, I enjoy collaborating with the marketing team to create content that engages and informs customers. It’s a rewarding experience to see your work help drive sales and revenue.”
- “Technical marketing writing requires writing in a persuasive tone and understanding the product or service being marketed. It’s a valuable skill to have in today’s tech-focused economy.”
- “I enjoy the diversity of projects I work on as a technical marketing writer, from creating web content to product brochures. It’s a great method to keep discovering while earning extra income.”
- “Technical marketing writing requires an understanding of both technical and marketing principles. It’s a challenging but fulfilling career for those who can balance these two aspects of writing.”
User Documentation Writer
They construct instructions and manuals for products that help users understand how to operate or troubleshoot them. They work closely with product development teams to ensure the documentation is accurate, concise, and user-friendly. The requirements for a documentation writer include the following skills and qualifications.
- Technical writing skills to create clear, concise, and accurate documentation.
- Understanding of technical concepts and terminology to accurately explain the product or service.
- Attention to detail to ensure that the documentation is accurate and user-friendly.
- Collaboration skills to work with product development teams to create adequate documentation that meets the needs of users.
Technical writers share their reviews on the following topics.
- “Being a User Documentation Writer requires breaking down complex technical concepts into clear and concise language that users can easily understand. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience to create documentation that helps people.”
- “As a User Documentation Writer, I enjoy collaborating with product development teams to create user-friendly and accurate documentation. It’s a valuable skill to have in today’s tech-focused world.”
- “User Documentation Writing requires strong attention to detail and a deep understanding of the product or service being documented. It’s a challenging but fulfilling career for those who enjoy technical writing.”
- “I respect the variety of projects I work on as a User Documentation Writer, from creating user manuals to instructional guides. It’s a great way to keep learning while earning extra income.”
- “User Documentation Writing requires a balance of technical writing and collaboration skills. It’s a valuable career for those who can work effectively with others to create documentation that meets users’ needs.”
Technical Trainer
Responsible for designing and delivering training materials to educate employees or customers on technical concepts, products, or services. They can work in various industries and may conduct training in person or virtually. You must have the following skills and qualifications to succeed as a technical trainer.
- Strong presentation and communication skills to deliver technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
- Understanding of specialized products or services and the ability to explain their features and benefits to trainees.
- Proficiency in instructional design to develop training materials that meet the needs of the trainees.
- Patience and empathy to work with trainees of varying skill levels and learning styles.
Technical writers share their reviews on the following topics.
- “Being a Technical Trainer is a challenging but rewarding career that requires a mix of technical and communication skills. It’s a great way to earn extra income while sharing your knowledge with others.”
- “As a Technical Trainer, I enjoy designing training materials that meet the needs of different learners. It’s a rewarding experience to see your work help people develop new skills and abilities.”
- “Technical training requires a high level of patience and empathy to work with trainees of varying skill levels. However, the satisfaction of seeing their progress makes it all worth it.”
- “Technical training requires a balance of technical and instructional design skills and the ability to work with people from different backgrounds and skill levels. It’s a valuable career for those who can effectively communicate technical concepts to others.”
Ghostwriter
It is a writer who creates content for someone else who takes credit for it. For example, technical ghostwriters create documents and materials for clients who need technical writing skills but do not have the time or writing ability to make the content themselves. The following are some of the necessary skills and qualifications for a ghostwriter.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to write in different voices and styles.
- Attention to detail to ensure that the writing matches the client’s expectations and goals.
- Confidentiality and professionalism to maintain the client’s anonymity and protect their reputation.
- Understanding of different writing and publishing formats, such as ebooks, blog posts, and articles.
The following are reviews from different writers about the benefits and drawbacks of ghostwriting.
- “As a Ghostwriter, I enjoy the challenge of writing in different voices and styles and helping clients bring their ideas to life. It’s a great way to earn extra income while leveraging your writing skills.”
- “Ghostwriting requires a high level of confidentiality and professionalism, as you are essentially writing on behalf of someone else. However, the satisfaction of seeing your work published and credited to your client makes it all worth it.”
- “Ghostwriting can be a rewarding career that offers a lot of variety, from writing ebooks to creating website content. However, it requires a lot of research and attention to detail to ensure that the writing aligns with the client’s expectations.”
- “The best part of ghostwriting is working with clients and learning about different industries and topics. However, it can be a challenging career, as you need to capture the client’s voice and tone while creating original and engaging content.”
- “Ghostwriting is a great career for those who enjoy writing and can work independently. It’s a valuable skill in today’s content-driven economy and can lead to long-term client relationships.”
Science Writer
They create technical documents, articles, and reports that explain scientific concepts or research to a non-technical audience. They often work for scientific organizations, government agencies, or academic institutions. A science writer must meet specific requirements, including skills and qualifications.
- Strong writing skills to explain complex scientific concepts to a non-technical audience.
- Ability to understand and interpret scientific research and data.
- Familiarity with different scientific fields and terminology.
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in scientific writing.
Writers share their insights on the advantages and disadvantages of science writing.
- “Science writing is a rewarding career that requires a mix of technical and writing skills. It’s a great way to share the latest scientific research with the public and make it more accessible.”
- “As a science writer, I enjoy the challenge of translating complex scientific concepts into layman’s terms. It’s a valuable skill in today’s society where scientific literacy is more important than ever.”
- “Science writing can be a challenging career that requires a lot of research and attention to detail. However, the satisfaction of seeing your work published and contributing to the scientific community makes it all worth it.”
- “The best part of science writing is the opportunity to learn about different scientific fields and discoveries. However, it can be difficult to stay up-to-date with the latest research and findings.”
- “Science writing requires high accuracy and consistency, which can be challenging when dealing with complex scientific data. However, it’s a valuable career for those passionate about science and wanting to share their knowledge with others.”
Medical Writer
They are completing documents and materials related to healthcare and medicine. They often work for pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, or healthcare organizations. Medical writers must understand medical terminology, research, and regulations. The skills and qualifications required for medical writers are as follows.
- Strong writing skills to explain complex medical concepts to a non-technical audience.
- Understanding of medical terminology, research, and regulations.
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in medical writing.
- Familiarity with different medical fields, products, and services.
Here are various writers’ reviews on medical writing’s pros and cons.
- “Medical writing is a challenging but rewarding career that requires high expertise and attention to detail. It’s a great way to contribute to the healthcare industry and make a difference in people’s lives.”
- “As a medical writer, I enjoy researching and writing about different medical topics, from pharmaceuticals to medical devices. It’s a valuable skill to have in today’s world, where there is a growing need for accurate and understandable medical information.”
- “Medical writing can be a challenging career that requires a deep understanding of medical terminology and regulations. However, the satisfaction of seeing your work published and contributing to the healthcare field makes it all worth it.”
- “The best part of medical writing is the opportunity to work on various projects, from clinical trials to medical reports. However, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest research and findings.”
- “Medical writing requires high accuracy and precision, which can be challenging when dealing with complex medical information. However, it’s a valuable career for those passionate about healthcare who want to make a difference.”
Unlocking the Income Potential of Technical Writing Careers: Average Salaries and Opportunities
The potential earnings for technical writing careers vary significantly based on experience, expertise, and location. However, here are some estimated payments for different technical writing careers:
- Freelance Technical Writer: based on ZipRecruiter, the average annual income for a freelance technical writer in the United States is $73,174.
- Technical Blogger: Technical bloggers can generate income through various sources, such as advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. Earnings can vary widely based on website traffic and engagement.
- White Paper Writer: According to Glassdoor, the average annual income for a White Paper Writer in the United States is $70,000.
- Technical Proposal Writer: from Indeed, the average annual income for a Technical Proposal Writer in the United States is $72,000.
- Technical Marketing Writer: Glassdoor says the middle annual income for a Technical Marketing Writer in the United States is $68,000.
- User Documentation Writer: based on Payscale, the average annual income for a User Documentation Writer in the United States is $63,000.
- Technical Trainer: from Glassdoor, the average annual income for a Technical Trainer in the United States is $70,000.
- Ghostwriter: Salary.com says a Ghostwriter’s earning potential in the United States is $66,889.
- Science Writer: based on Payscale, the average annual income for a Science Writer in the United States is $68,665.
- Medical Writer: according to Payscale, the average annual income for a Medical Writer in the United States is $75,346.
It’s essential to remember that these are estimated earnings, and actual earnings can vary widely based on individual skills and experience. Additionally, freelancers may charge higher rates for their services, and those working full-time for a company may receive additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
Searching for Technical Writing Jobs: Tips and Resources
If you are interested in pursuing a career in technical writing, several resources are available to help you find job opportunities. Here are some options to consider:
- Online Job Boards: numerous online job boards are dedicated to technical writing and related fields. Some of the most popular job boards include Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter. These websites allow you to search for job openings by location, experience level, and job type.
- Company Websites: many companies post job openings on their websites. If there are particular companies that you are interested in working for, it’s a good idea to check their career pages for new job postings regularly.
- Freelance Platforms: if you are interested in freelance technical writing opportunities, several platforms are available to help you connect with potential clients. Popular options include Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr.
- Networking: networking is an effective way to find job opportunities in any field, including technical writing. Consider joining professional organizations or attending industry events to meet other professionals and potential employers.
Companies and Agencies That Offer a Job for Technical Writing Careers
- Entry-Level Technical Writer
Paradyme Management Inc. Washington, DC On-site - Technical Writer
Lockheed Martin Owego, NY On-site - Technical Writer (Junior)
Perrygo Consulting Group, LLC Lexington Park, MD - 100% REMOTE Contract role as Technical Writer (Long-Term Duration)
Stellar Professionals United States Remote - Procedure/Technical Writer
WealthAbility Tempe, AZ On-site - Technical Writer
VeeAR Projects Inc. Cupertino, CA On-site - Technical Writer
PAW BioScience (Now Avantor Fluid Handling) Bakersfield, CA - Technical Writer
Securrency Raleigh, NC Remote - Technical Writer (Temporary)
ATP United States Remote - Technical Writer (Remote)
VivSoft Ashburn, VA Remote - Expression of interest: Technical Writer
Fingerprint for Success (F4S) United States Remote - Content Writer (Entry-Level)
PCG Digital Manasquan, NJ Remote - REMOTE Technical Writer
Midas Consulting Atlanta, GA Remote - Technical Writer
QuantumBricks Atlanta, GA Remote - Technical Writer
PowDevs United States Remote - Remote: Technical Writer
Stellar Professionals United States Remote - Business Analyst
Ameren St Louis, MO Remote - Technical Writer, Mid Level (REMOTE)
Liberty IT Solutions Boston, MA Remote - Hybrid – Technical Writer (Part-time)
Stellar Professionals Virginia, United States Remote - Technical Writer
A talent Waltham, MA Remote
How to Get Started in a Technical Writing Career?
Getting started in a technical writing career can be rewarding and challenging. There are several options for education and training, such as degree programs, certifications, and online courses. In addition, building a portfolio of writing samples and developing a solid online presence can help you showcase your skills and attract potential clients or employers.
Finally, strategies for marketing yourself as a technical writer can include networking, applying for jobs or gigs, and leveraging social media platforms. By taking advantage of these options, you can start your journey toward a successful career in technical writing.
Education and Training Options
It can be an essential part of starting a technical writing career. Technical writing requires specific skills, including knowledge of the technical subject matter, strong writing abilities, and proficiency with software and tools used in the field. There are several education and training options available to help aspiring technical writers gain the necessary knowledge and skills, such as:
- Degree Programs: many universities and colleges offer degree programs in technical writing, communication, or related fields. These programs provide a comprehensive understanding of technical writing practices, industry standards, and tools used in the area.
- Certifications: technical writing certifications can be earned through various professional organizations, such as the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). These certifications demonstrate a technical writer’s expertise in specific areas, such as technical communication or medical writing.
- Online Courses: many online courses help individuals learn technical writing skills. These courses can cover technical writing basics, editing, and document design.
Individuals can gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field by pursuing education and training options in technical writing. Therefore, searching different options are essential, and choosing the one that best suits your needs and career goals.
Building a Portfolio
Building a portfolio of writing samples can be essential to starting a technical writing career. A strong portfolio can demonstrate a technical writer’s ability to create clear, concise, and practical documents that attract potential clients or employers. Here are some tips for building a portfolio:
- Gather Writing Samples: collect examples of technical writing work you have done in the past, such as user manuals, reports, or white papers. If you don’t have any previous work, consider creating some samples to showcase your skills.
- Select Your Best Work: choose the writing samples demonstrating your most vital skills and best work. Be sure to choose a variety of different types of documents that showcase your versatility.
- Display Your Work Online: creating a website or blog to showcase your writing samples can effectively market yourself and make it easy for potential clients or employers to view your work.
- Customize Your Portfolio: tailor your portfolio to the specific job or client you are applying for. Highlight your most relevant work and explain how your skills and experience align with the position.
- Solicit Feedback: ask for feedback from colleagues, professors, or other professionals in the field. Incorporate their feedback into your portfolio to improve it.
Following these tips for building a portfolio, aspiring technical writers can showcase their skills and attract potential clients or employers.
Strategies for Marketing Yourself as a Technical Writer
Developing effective marketing strategies can be critical to starting a technical writing career. Here are some strategies for marketing yourself as a technical writer:
- Network: attend industry events and join professional organizations to network with other technical writers and potential clients or employers. Make connections and build relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
- Create a Professional Brand: develop a strong professional brand that showcases your skills and expertise. For example, create a professional website or blog highlighting your work, skills, and experience.
- Utilize Social Media: use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with other professionals and promote your work. Share links to your writing samples and participate in discussions related to technical writing topics.
- Develop a Marketing Plan: develop a clear and focused marketing plan that outlines your goals, target market, and strategies for reaching potential clients or employers.
- Offer Free Work: consider offering free work to build your portfolio, gain experience, and establish yourself in the industry. Volunteering for a non-profit organization or contributing to an open-source project can also be effective ways to gain exposure and build your skills.
- Learn New Tools and Technologies: stay up-to-date on the latest tools and technologies used in technical writing, such as content management systems, document design software, and video production tools. This can make you more competitive and marketable as a technical writer.
By implementing these marketing strategies, aspiring technical writers can effectively promote themselves, build their brand, and attract potential clients or employers. Therefore, it’s important to remain proactive and persistent in marketing yourself as a technical writer to build a successful career.
Wrapping Up: 10 Technical Writing Careers for Extra Income
In conclusion, technical writing offers diverse career options that can be a great source of extra income. Whether you’re an entry-level technical writer or an experienced freelancer, there are many opportunities to apply your skills and expertise in various industries.
With the increasing demand for clear and concise communication in today’s fast-paced world, the field of technical writing is expected to grow, providing even more opportunities for aspiring writers. You can build a successful and rewarding career in technical writing by developing a solid set of technical writing skills, building a portfolio, and effectively marketing yourself.
