Also called: Documentation Specialist
Writes the manuals and guides for scientific instruments, software, and lab procedures.
You test a new microscope with the engineers, then write step-by-step instructions so scientists can use it correctly.
BLS median for technical writers (May 2024).
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in science, engineering, or English.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: English, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI now drafts manuals from engineering notes; fewer writers needed, mainly to test and check accuracy.
Classes: AP English, Physics, Computer science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-3042.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.