Technical Writer

Industry:
Science
Last Updated:
July 19, 2023

Job Description Overview

Are you a wordsmith who loves science? A Technical Writer job description may be perfect for you. Technical writers play a critical role in the science industry by creating materials that clarify complex scientific information in clear, concise language. 

These professionals translate highly technical information into content that's easy for non-experts to understand. They create instructional manuals, user guides, online help systems, and other types of documents that help scientists and researchers navigate the complexities of their work.

As a Technical Writer, you'll work with subject matter experts to understand scientific concepts and procedures, and then use that information to create clear, user-friendly content. You'll also often be responsible for editing and proofreading materials, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all documents.

If you're detail-oriented, have strong writing and communication skills, and enjoy science, a career as a Technical Writer in the science industry could be an excellent fit.

Struggling with Product Marketing?👇

PMMTeam is a world-class Product Marketing Agency with a unique "as a service" subscription model.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Research and gather information on science-related topics
  • Write clear, concise, and accurate technical documents for various audiences
  • Edit and proofread documents for grammar and punctuation errors
  • Utilize industry-specific terminology and jargon appropriately
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy of content
  • Organize and present information in a logical manner
  • Format and design documents to enhance readability and comprehension
  • Ensure adherence to company and industry standards and guidelines
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
  • Continuously update and revise documents as necessary to reflect new information or changes in procedures

Experience and Education Requirements

If you want to be a Technical Writer in the Science industry, you'll need both Education and Experience. Education-wise, most companies will require you to have at least a Bachelor's Degree in a related field, like Technical Writing, Communication, or Science. A degree in English or Journalism can also be helpful. Some companies may require a Master's Degree, but this isn't always the case.

Experience-wise, most companies will want you to have experience writing in a technical, scientific, or medical field. This could mean working as a Technical Writer for another company or doing technical writing as part of another job. Often, companies are looking for someone with experience writing manuals, training materials, or user guides.

So, in summary, to get a job as a Technical Writer in the Science industry, you'll need some sort of related degree and experience writing technical documents.

Salary Range

As a Technical Writer in the Science industry, the expected salary range in the United States is around $50,000 to $80,000 annually. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for Technical Writers is $62,146 per year with additional bonuses and profit sharing opportunities. However, the average salary may vary based on factors such as location, level of experience, and education. For example, in San Francisco, Technical Writers earn an average of $87,762 per year due to the higher cost of living. 

In India, according to Payscale, a Technical Writer's salary range is between 298,932 INR to 1,231,446 INR per year, with an average of 616,939 INR per year. In Japan, according to Indeed Japan, the average Technical Writer salary is ¥5,249,442 per year. 

Sources:

  1. Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/technical-writer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
  2. Payscale - https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Technical_Writer/Salary
  3. Indeed Japan - https://jp.indeed.com/%E4%BB%8A%E3%81%99%E3%90%8D%E3%81%AETechnical-Writer%E3%81%AE%E6%B1%82%E4%BA%BA

Career Outlook

The career outlook for a Technical Writer in the science industry looks good over the next five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS predicts that employment for technical writers is projected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations. Technical writers who specialize in science, engineering, and medical fields will be in high demand as new products are released and new technology is developed. In this job, people will create technical documents, such as instruction manuals, journal articles, and other supporting documents that communicate complex and technical information more easily. They work closely with scientific and technical experts to ensure that the documents are accurate and understandable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a Technical Writer, and what does the job entail?

A: A Technical Writer specializes in creating and formatting technical documents, including user manuals, software documentation, and instructional materials. They communicate complex scientific concepts in a clear, concise manner.

Q: What kind of education do I need to become a Technical Writer?

A: A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as English, Journalism, or a STEM field is essential. Strong writing skills and knowledge of the Science industry are also necessary.

Q: Is the job of a Technical Writer in demand in the Science industry?

A: Yes, Technical Writing is among the fastest-growing occupations in the Science industry. Technical Writers can work in a variety of fields including biotech, aerospace, and engineering.

Q: What kind of skills are necessary to be successful in this role?

A: Technical writers require strong writing skills and attention to detail, as well as organizational and communication skills. Knowledge of editing software, content management systems, and image editing tools is also necessary.

Q: What kind of salary can I expect as a Technical Writer in the Science industry?

A: The average salary of a Technical Writer in the Science industry is around $70,000 to $80,000 annually. The salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, education, and company size.


Copyright 2023 JobDescription.org - All Rights Reserved // Privacy Policy
//
Terms and Conditions
//
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal information
All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.