To work as a technical writer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• have one to five years experience with a technical subject; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

There are many ways to prepare for this occupation. You can get a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or English, and add technical classes. Another approach is to major in a technical area, such as engineering, computer science, or science. With this approach, you take as many writing related classes as you can.

A growing number of colleges offer degrees in technical writing. Courses vary based on the type of program. In general, technical writing programs offer a core of writing courses. They also include courses in algebra, statistics, logic, science, and engineering.

A bachelor's degree in technical writing coupled with a master's degree in journalism or communications is excellent preparation.

Work experience

Some technical writers begin as specialists or research assistants in a technical field. By developing technical communication skills, they eventually take on responsibilities for technical writing. In small firms, beginning technical writers may work on projects right away. In larger companies, beginners may observe experienced technical writers and interact with specialists before being assigned projects.

On-the-job training

Beginning technical writers often start with smaller firms or do routine tasks at first. You often begin by doing research or proofreading for experienced writers. Once you have some experience, you write your own articles. Training may last up to six months but usually is around two to three months.