Occupation AtlasTechnical Writers
O*NET · 27-3042.00
Technical Writers
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Also called Assembly Instructions Writer · Clinical Writer · Com Writer · Contracts Writer · Documentation Writer · Engineering Writer · Global Technical Writer · Grant Writer
22 more
Handbook Writer · Health Science Writer · Health Technical Writer · Lexicographer · Manual Writer · Medical Technical Writer · Medical Writer · Narrative Writer · Principal Technical Writer · Process Description Writer · Proposal Writer · Regulatory Medical Writer · Report Writer · Requirements Analyst · Scientific Writer · Specifications Writer · Technical Proposal Writer · Technical Publications Writer · Technical Report Writer · Technician Writer · UX Writer · UX Writer (User Experience Writer)
Compare with another occupationCompare with Writers and Authors
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CAIConventional · Artistic · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional5.32
- A Artistic4.23
- I Investigative3.69
- R Realistic2.78
- S Social2.01
- E Enterprising1.97
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (39%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (31%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (42%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- WritingbasicImportance 4.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- NegotiationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- InstructingImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Service OrientationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Systems EvaluationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- SciencebasicImportance 1.3Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
8 core · 7 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.Importance 4.8
- Maintain records and files of work and revisions.Importance 4.7
- Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.Importance 4.7
- Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.Importance 4.4
- Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.Importance 4.3
- Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.Importance 4.1
- Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.Importance 4.1
- Assist in laying out material for publication.Importance 3.8
Show the other 7
- Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.Importance 4.4
- Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.Importance 4.3
- Develop or maintain online help documentation.Importance 4.2
- Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.Importance 3.8
- Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.Importance 3.8
- Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.Importance 3.6
- Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.8Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- AdministrativeImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
Show all 33
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
- MathematicsImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- MechanicalImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- DesignImportance 2.4Level 2.7
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- TransportationImportance 2.3Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- ChemistryImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- PhysicsImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.2Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Write an advanced economics textbook
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
Show all 52
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 1.4
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Far VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Number FacilityImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Time SharingImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
- Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
71 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (10)
- Atlassian Confluencehot
- Atlassian JIRAhot
- Extensible markup language XMLhot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft SharePointhot
- Microsoft Visiohot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (23; 10 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Epic Systems
- Git
- GitHub
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft ASP.NET
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Oracle Java
- PHP
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
Other tools (38)
- Adobe Captivate
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Adobe FrameMaker
- Adobe RoboHelp
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Author-it
- Blink
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Corel Paint Shop Pro
- Corel Ventura
- Darwin information typing architecture DITA
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Drupal
- Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
- Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
- FileMaker Pro
- Google Sites
- IBM Cognos Business Intelligence
- IBM Notes
- IBM Rational ClearCase
- IBM Rational ClearQuest
- JustSystems XMetaL
- MadCap Software MadCap Flare
- Microsoft Publisher
- Objective C
- Oracle Business Intelligence Discoverer
- Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
- Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
- ParentSquare
- Perforce Helix software
- PTC Arbortext
- PTC Creo Parametric
- Quadralay WebWorks ePublisher
- SAP Business Objects
- SAP Crystal Reports
- Standardized general markup language SGML
- Talisma Knowledgebase
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Writers and Authors
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Quality Control Analysis −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.8, Operations Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Mathematics +1.2
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.3 points · Writing −1.4, Quality Control Analysis −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Average difference 0.3 points · Writing −1.6, Quality Control Analysis −1.2
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Quality Control Analysis −1.3, Operations Analysis −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Tax Preparers
Average difference 0.3 points · Writing −1.9, Mathematics +1.4
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Writing −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.