Become a technical writer by earning a degree in English, communications, or a technical field, building strong writing skills, and gaining experience with documentation tools. Create a portfolio of writing samples, understand technical subjects, and apply for entry-level roles in industries like software, engineering, or healthcare.
What Is Technical Writing and Why It Matters
Technical writing is the process of creating clear, accurate content to explain complex information. Technical writers prepare user manuals, API documentation, how-to guides, and other instructional content. These materials help users understand technical products and systems.
What Technical Writers Do
Technical writers explain complex concepts in simple terms. They write and revise content such as user guides, FAQs, installation manuals, and white papers. Most technical writers collaborate with subject matter experts, software engineers, and product designers.
Core responsibilities include:
- Translating technical details into user-friendly content
- Structuring information logically
- Creating diagrams and visuals
- Using version control systems like Git
- Formatting and publishing content on platforms like Confluence or Markdown editors
Technical communicators are expected to understand technical documentation tools and maintain consistency across products and platforms. These skills are vital for improving user experience and reducing product support requests.
Education and Background Requirements
Most technical writers have a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, computer science, or another technical field. This foundation helps them combine writing skills with technical understanding. However, many entry level technical writers break into the industry without a formal degree by learning through online courses and certifications.
Important certifications and training programs:
- Google Technical Writing Course
- Udemy’s Technical Writing Masterclass
- Coursera’s technical communication programs
- Society for Technical Communication (STC)
- Write the Docs community workshops
Some writers with backgrounds in medical writing or administrative and support services also transition into technical writing roles, especially when they develop specific technical skills in healthcare, IT, or engineering.
Key Skills Every Aspiring Technical Writer Needs
To succeed, aspiring technical writers must develop:
- Clear writing skills and correct grammar
- Ability to explain complex topics with precision
- Technical knowledge relevant to their chosen industry
- Communication skills for working with developers, product teams, and stakeholders
- Proficiency with documentation tools such as MadCap Flare, Adobe RoboHelp, Swagger, and GitHub
These skills help writers improve both the quality of documentation and their chances of getting hired. Developing project management and critical thinking skills also helps when managing large documentation sets and working with deadlines.
Writers must revise content regularly to match updates in product features and stay competitive as new technology is introduced.
Common Tools Used by Technical Writers
Technical writers use specialized tools for authoring, formatting, and publishing content. The most used tools in 2025 include:
- MadCap Flare and Adobe FrameMaker for structured documentation
- Markdown and DITA for topic-based writing
- GitHub for version control and collaboration
- Confluence and Notion for knowledge management
- Snagit or Visio to create diagrams
Proficiency in these platforms is expected, especially in docs-as-code environments where documentation is maintained alongside software code. Tools that support artificial intelligence, such as Grammarly and AI-assisted documentation generators, are also becoming standard.
How To Build a Portfolio and Get Experience
A strong portfolio is essential. Most technical writers display samples of their work, such as instruction manuals, how-to guides, and API references.
Ways to gain experience:
- Contribute to open source projects (e.g., writing README files or onboarding documentation)
- Publish technical tutorials on platforms like Medium or Dev.to
- Create fake documentation samples to demonstrate formatting and clarity
- Volunteer to write content for nonprofits or startups
- Participate in technical writing challenges on GitHub
Having a published portfolio increases visibility with potential employers and demonstrates the writer’s ability to explain complicated information clearly.
Career Path, Advancement, and Job Outlook
Technical writing is a stable, growing profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $91,670 in 2024, with 4% job growth expected from 2023 to 2033.
Career paths include:
- Junior → Senior Technical Writer
- Lead or Principal Technical Writer
- Content Strategist
- Documentation Manager
Some writers specialize in medical writing, cybersecurity documentation, or developer experience (DevEx) content. Writers can work in-house or pursue freelance opportunities through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Remote work is common.
Staying competitive requires learning about industry trends, adapting to AI tools, and building domain-specific knowledge.
Technical Writing Career Summary Table
| Step/Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Most technical writers have at least a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, or a technical field (IT, science, engineering, healthcare). Some freelance roles don’t require a degree but do require strong writing and technical skills. |
| Relevant Skills | – Clear, concise writing and grammar- Research and analytical skills- Technical knowledge relevant to the industry- Collaboration and teamwork- Familiarity with documentation tools (e.g., MadCap Flare, Swagger, GitHub) |
| Experience | Entry-level roles may require less than 5 years of experience. Internships, open-source contributions, and writing sample portfolios help build credibility. |
| Certifications & Courses | Google Technical Writing Course, Coursera, Udemy, Write the Docs community, and industry-specific certifications. |
| Portfolio | Publish user manuals, whitepapers, and how-to guides on GitHub, Medium, or Dev.to. Build examples that show ability to explain technical content clearly. |
| Job Search | Apply to companies in tech, healthcare, finance, and engineering. Use job boards, company websites, and freelance platforms. Network through Write the Docs. |
| Industry Trends (2025) | AI tool proficiency, docs-as-code workflows, and content strategy roles are growing. Writers need to operate AI documentation tools efficiently. |
| Pay & Outlook | Median annual wage: ~$91,670. Growth rate: 4% (2023–2033). High demand in SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud industries. |
Most asked questions
1. How can you stand out as a technical writer if you don’t have a STEM degree?
Focus on building a strong portfolio with real writing samples. Contribute to open-source documentation, publish how-to guides, and earn certifications in tools like GitHub or MadCap.
2. Are there niche areas within technical writing that are rapidly growing in 2025?
Yes. API docs for SaaS, cybersecurity compliance content, and developer onboarding guides are in high demand. Specializing in these areas boosts job prospects.
3. How important is AI tool proficiency for new technical writers?
Very important. Many technical writers work in AI-first teams and are expected to use tools that help with formatting, summarizing, and code snippet generation.
4. Can you become a technical writer without any prior professional experience?
Yes. Create writing samples, contribute to projects, and build a portfolio. Many entry-level technical writing jobs value skills and samples over formal experience.
5. What’s the best way to transition from another writing field into technical writing?
Use your research and writing strengths. Learn technical tools, take an online course, and start documenting products you already use. Highlight versatility and quick learning.
6. How do technical writers maintain accuracy when documenting fast-evolving technologies?
They work closely with engineers and SMEs, attend product demos, and use agile workflows. Frequent updates and source tracking help them maintain documentation accuracy.
Conclusion
To become a successful technical writer, focus on developing writing skills, building technical knowledge, and creating a detailed portfolio. Many technical writers transition from different backgrounds by learning through online courses and practicing on open source projects. With growing demand across industries and increasing use of AI tools, technical writing offers strong job stability and diverse career paths.
Apply for entry level technical writing jobs, keep learning about new tools, and stay engaged in writing communities. This approach will help you build a long-term, high-value career in technical communication.
