What Does a Technical Writer Do? 2025 Career Guide

Technical writers, also known as technical communicators or technical authors, work to explain processes to consumers of various industries, such as manufacturing and IT. As a technical writer, you help others understand complicated ideas or instructions through guidebooks, instruction manuals, instruction videos, and operator guides. You’ll focus on communicating information and ensuring that it’s easy for the reader to understand. 

Learn more about what a technical writer does and the steps you need to take to begin your writing career.

Keep in mind. Technical writing differs from creative writing because you’re responsible for communicating instructions or information to the consumer in a concise, simplified way. The language you use should be clear and professional and should represent the company and its goals.

What is a technical writer?

Technical writers are professional writers who produce instructions and how-to guides for consumers. As a technical writer, you'll write content for e-learning platforms, blogs, and podcasts.  You might also write new guides and manuals, update existing ones for businesses, and work directly with your clients to accurately create and write content for them. 

Technical writer vs. content writer

Technical writers and content writers both use writing to communicate; however, the two roles are not the same. The biggest difference is the intention behind the writing. Whilst content writers focus on selling a product or idea, technical writers are responsible for explaining a product or service.

Technical writing is objective. Whilst creativity is necessary for simplifying complicated ideas, technical writing itself is unemotive and straightforward. In contrast, content writing focuses more on using your imagination to market a product to a consumer.

Another major difference between the two writing styles is search engine optimisation (SEO). Content writers implement SEO as a way to reach an audience through keywords. Using keywords increases the chances of your article appearing in online search results. SEO is important for any kind of writing or selling of a product; however, as a content writer, you are more likely to use it.

What does a technical writer do?

Technical writers communicate on behalf of a company. As a technical writer, you have many different tasks and responsibilities that differ based on your employer and what industry you work in. You’ll also research, observe, and write documents based on your research. 

Technical writer tasks and responsibilities 

Your role as a technical writer has many different responsibilities depending on the field you work in. However, you’ll likely be tasked with some similar specific responsibilities across all technical writer roles.

Common responsibilities include:

• Simplifying documents: Technical writers simplify complex ideas and make them easy for people to understand. This allows consumers to digest the information more easily and get their questions about the company answered.

• Editing: You will likely edit and proofread documents, manuals, and other written work given to you by your employer. Proofreading and editing are essential to making writing more concise and straightforward and preventing writing errors from being published.

• Communicating: As a technical writer, you will use the written word to communicate with readers. You’ll also need solid communication skills to interact with your coworkers, employers, and others. You get feedback from consumers and apply that information to what you’re writing.

Technical writer skills

You need specific skills to be a successful technical writer. First and foremost, you have to know the voice and goals of the company you are working for. As a writer, you are representing your employer by answering questions and creating important documentation on their behalf.

Common technical writer skills include:

• Writing: Technical writers have writing skills and often hold a degree, HND, or HNC in communication, journalism, computing, or engineering. Experience using writing software such as Microsoft Word and authoring tools specific to the role you apply for are helpful. 

• Research: As a technical writer, you will participate in research and study on behalf of your client. An important skill to have is knowing how to apply the information gathered to your writing. The results of your research may impact your overall message and may include feedback from customers using the company’s product or service.

• Collaboration: An important aspect of technical writing is working with your leaders and peers, as well as with consumers of the company’s product, to understand their feedback. Writing itself is usually done by one individual at a time, but the processes leading up to writing are important in creating a good final product. 

Technical writer salary and job outlook

The average annual salary for a technical writer in the UK is between £20,000 and £50,000, according to the National Careers Service [1]. Your salary as a technical writer will vary based on your location within the UK, your seniority, and your employer.

The job outlook for technical writers in the UK is highest in cities, and technical writers can work for an employer or on a freelance basis. 

Technical writer career path

Technical writing is competitive and so employers look for experience, as well as a good education. Experience can be voluntary, earnt on an internship, or through personal projects. You can build your portfolio by including technical writing examples, but also any writing that shows you can simplify language and communicate your points clearly.

How can I get a certificate in tech writing?

Some universities offer technical writing certificates so that you can build your skills and stand out to employers. To gain a certificate in technical writing, find a university that offers a certificate and enroll in the program. The cost and length of each program may vary.

Education and training

Employers typically require at least a bachelor’s degree, HND, or HNC when considering hiring technical writers. Consider exploring popular degree subjects, which include journalism, languages, communication, engineering, technology, and science. 

Additional training and certifications for technical writers in technical communication and publishing software can be advantageous. 

Begin your journey as a technical writer and build skills on Coursera

Technical writing requires skilled professionals to simplify complex information and present it in a way that is easy to understand. If you’re ready to start your career as a technical writer, begin by enhancing your skills and gaining experience to build your CV. You might consider an online degree, such as the BSc Computer Science, delivered by the University of London, available on Coursera.