Technical Writing: A Career Opportunity for Both Tech-Geeks and Non-Technical Liberal Arts Majors

Do you want all the benefits of a writing career without the constant heartache and hassles of trying to publish a book or sell a screenplay? Or do you currently toil away in a technical field, but want a chance to earn extra income or do something more creative? Then consider a career in technical writing.

Technical Writing: What Degree Program is Best?

Technical writers come from English, communications, journalism, and, of course, technical backgrounds. Others streamline their education with an actual technical writing associate's or bachelor's degree that combines liberal arts and technical classes. This program typically includes training in:

• Creating operations and maintenance manuals
• Describing technical and scientific breakthroughs
• Designing websites, catalogs, or newsletters
• Formatting and editing styles
• Industry vocabulary
• Multimedia and publishing programs
• Research and interviewing skills
• Web skills including HTML, Flash, programming languages, and desktop publishing

Benefits of an Online Degree Program

For those who already have a liberal arts background, take advantage of the numerous online education programs out there to enhance your technical knowledge. It's often cheaper and more convenient than seeking out a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom.
Similarly, if you already work in a technical field, you can take some writing classes online to open up an entirely new career path. You can do occasional freelance articles to supplement your current income or choose to pursue technical writing full-time.
As more people discover the benefits of technical writing, competition to enter this higher paying writing field has increased, which makes job prospects best for those with formal training.

Salaries in Technical Writing

Technical writers typically earn more than their non-technical counterparts. While the median annual earnings for salaried writers were $50,660 in 2007, the median annual earnings for salaried technical writers were $62,780.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Writers and Editors
California Employment Development Department, Technical Writers

Laura Horwitz has worked as a freelance writer and researcher for seven years in both London and the US, focusing frequently on education and career advice. She has also taught English and journalism. She currently lives in Los Angeles.