Technical writers held about 52,000 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most technical writers were as follows:
Professional, scientific, and technical services
38%
Manufacturing
15
Information
12
Administrative and support services
8
Most technical writers work in offices. They routinely work with engineers and other technology experts to manage the flow of information throughout an organization.
Although most technical writers are employed directly by the companies that use their services, some work on a freelance basis and are paid per assignment. Either they are self-employed, or they work for a technical consulting firm and are given specific short-term or recurring assignments, such as writing about a new product or coordinating the work and communication among different offices to keep a project on track.
Technical writing jobs are usually concentrated in locations, such as California and Texas, with information technology or scientific and technical research companies.
Work Schedules
Technical writers may be expected to work evenings and weekends to coordinate with those in other time zones or to meet deadlines. Most work full time.
