Introduction to Technical Writing
Technical writing is the process of drafting text-based informational documents for the audience. Technical writing aims for precision and utility which speciality is known to be technical communication. The common genre of technical writing in software development includes guides, tutorials, and API documentation. Technical writing also includes writing manuals for product consumers. Technical writing can also be tied to writing online help articles and documents like data visualization.
Training type in Technical Writing
The training type for becoming a technical writer is either Online or Offline. (Hybrid).
How long does it take to become a Technical Writer?
The average training duration for each level of certification in Technical writing is a 4 years bachelor’s degree program
Qualification required to become a Technical Writer
Bachelors / HND (Higher National Diploma)
Secondary school department become a Technical Writer
To become a Technical writer as a secondary school student, you need to be in the Arts department.
Which tertiary field is suitable for Technical Writing?
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Journalism
- English and, any other related field
How to become a Technical Writer?
Employers generally prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees in journalism, English, or communications. A technical background or a technical writing degree is not required. However, you should know in a specialized field, such as engineering, computer science, or medicine as technical writers are needed precisely in all domains like IT, aerospace, medicine, insurance, government, engineering, manufacturing, etc. It’s helpful to take additional technological courses to prepare for a career in technical writing.
How much is the average salary of a Technical Writer?
Some technical writers are freelancers who work on contracts. A technical writer’s salary will depend upon their years of experience and qualifications. The salary may also depend on the location and size of the company.
The average salary of a technical writer according to payscale is $58,570 per year.
How do Technical Writers work?
For Technical writers, there’s room for flexibility, as they can either work Remotely or On-site (Hybrid).
How many hours do Technical Writers spend at work on average?
Technical writers usually keep regular office hours. Nonetheless, they will occasionally need to work late or over weekends to meet deadlines.
More so, writers should expect to sit in front of a computer for extended periods, and occasionally work with the products they’re writing about.
Occupational hazards in Technical Writing?
Being a technical writer, you’ll deal more with your computer in carrying out your task. Working at a computer can cause back, neck, and shoulder pains, headaches, eyestrain, and overuse injuries to the arms and hands.
Gender distribution in Technical Writing
In technical writing, there is no gender distribution as the job accommodates both male and female
Talents suitable for Technical Writing
The common talents among technical writers include:
- Writing
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Being systematic
What is the retirement age for Technical Writers?
The average age of an employed technical writer is 48 years of age.
Popular professionals in Technical Writing
Leonardo da Vinci is probably the most famous tech writer of all time
Relevance of Technical Writing in other countries
Technical writing in English serves as an essential tool in communicating or conveying one’s ideas, views, observations, instructions, and suggestions more logically and technically. Given this, technical writers are needed in all technical industries and companies across the world.
What other fields are related to Technical Writing?
- Professional writing
- Business writing
- Creative writing
- Science writing
Branches of Technical Writing
- Product manuals
- Repair manuals
- User guides
- API documentation
- SDK documentation
- Project plans
- Business standards
- Test schedules
