Technical Writers
Medium54.19%
Found in Industries:
Administrative and support and waste management and remediation servicesArts, entertainment, and recreationConstructionHealth care and social assistanceManufacturingProfessional, Scientific and Technical ServicesPublic administrationRetail tradeTransportation and warehousingInformationOther services, except public administrationFinance and insurance
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$48,630
Median$80,050
High (90th %)$129,440
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Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
The occupation "Technical Writers" has an automation risk of 54.2%, which is only slightly below the base risk of 55.0%. This relatively moderate risk stems from the fact that many core functions of technical writing involve procedural or structured tasks well-suited to automation technologies. The three most automatable tasks are: organizing material and completing assignments according to set standards; maintaining records and files of work and revisions; and editing, standardizing, or making changes to material prepared by others. These tasks often follow clear rules, templates, and standards, making them compatible with algorithms that can replicate patterns in language and formatting. However, not all facets of technical writing are equally automatable. The tasks most resistant to automation include conferring with various stakeholders—such as customer representatives, vendors, and plant executives—to establish technical specifications and subject material for publication. Reviewing and recommending revisions to published materials also requires judgment and context-awareness that are difficult for AI to replicate. Furthermore, drawing sketches to illustrate materials or assembly sequences demands a level of creativity and hands-on understanding that current automation struggles to achieve. These resistant tasks underscore the importance of human input, collaboration, and creative problem-solving within the role. Bottlenecks to automation in this occupation are largely related to skills in originality, which are rated at 2.9% and 3.0% respectively. These low levels indicate that while some originality is required for technical writing, most of the job’s day-to-day content does not demand highly creative or novel thinking. This means large swathes of routine technical documentation and revision could readily be automated, but tasks requiring deeper dialogue with subject-matter experts or creation of new visual content remain less susceptible to automation. As a result, technical writers are at moderate risk, with the most automatable aspects of their workflows likely to be delegated to AI while the more creative and consultative elements continue to require human expertise.
Filter by Automatable Status
Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
Partially Automatable
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
Automatable
Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
Partially Automatable
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
Partially Automatable
Develop or maintain online help documentation.
Partially Automatable
Assist in laying out material for publication.
Partially Automatable
Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
Partially Automatable
Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
Automatable
Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
Partially Automatable
Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
Partially Automatable
Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
Partially Automatable
Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
Partially Automatable
Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
Partially Automatable
Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
Partially Automatable
Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingPublic Safety and Security
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Microsoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft Visual BasicAdobe RoboHelpSAP Business ObjectsSAP Crystal ReportsAuthor-itCorel VenturaJustSystems XMetaLMadCap Software MadCap FlareQuadralay WebWorks ePublisherTalisma KnowledgebaseSASMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft PublisherMicrosoft WordPHPAdobe PhotoshopAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAtlassian ConfluenceAdobe FrameMakerIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessStructured query language SQLAdobe DreamweaverAutodesk AutoCADOracle JavaServer Pages JSPDrupalJavaScriptGitHubGoogle SitesObjective COracle JavaIBM Rational ClearQuestPTC Creo ParametricAdobe CaptivateParentSquarePerforce Helix softwareDassault Systemes CATIAGitAtlassian JIRAMicrosoft OutlookBlinkMicrosoft ASP.NETDynamic hypertext markup language DHTMLIBM Cognos Business IntelligenceIBM Rational ClearCaseOracle E-Business Suite FinancialsStandardized general markup language SGMLCorel Paint Shop ProAdobe IllustratorAdobe IllustratorCascading style sheets CSSAdobe RoboHelpMicrosoft Visual BasicAuthor-itOracle E-Business Suite FinancialsCorel VenturaJustSystems XMetaLMadCap Software MadCap FlareMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft PublisherMicrosoft WordApple Final Cut ProAtlassian ConfluenceIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessAdobe InDesignAutodesk AutoCADDrupalJavaScriptGitHubGoogle SitesObjective CIBM Rational ClearQuestEpic SystemsDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksGitMicrosoft OutlookBlinkDynamic hypertext markup language DHTMLMicrosoft ASP.NETIBM Cognos Business IntelligenceIBM Rational ClearCaseCorel Paint Shop ProQuadralay WebWorks ePublisherTalisma KnowledgebaseSAP Business ObjectsSASPHPWeb browser softwareStructured query language SQLPTC Creo ParametricPerforce Helix softwareStandardized general markup language SGMLPTC ArbortextCascading style sheets CSSExtensible hypertext markup language XHTMLAtlassian JIRAHypertext markup language HTMLOracle JavaDassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRSMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRSMicrosoft SharePointCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteOracle Business Intelligence DiscovererAdobe PhotoshopFileMaker ProAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatSAP Crystal ReportsAdobe FrameMakerPTC ArbortextAdobe InDesignHypertext markup language HTMLAdobe CaptivateEpic SystemsParentSquareOracle Business Intelligence DiscovererDarwin information typing architecture DITADarwin information typing architecture DITAMicrosoft SharePointApple Final Cut ProMicrosoft VisioAdobe DreamweaverExtensible hypertext markup language XHTMLFileMaker ProOracle JavaServer Pages JSPExtensible markup language XMLExtensible markup language XMLMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointWeb browser softwareAdobe Creative Cloud software
Project Management Specialists
Medium52.50%
Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.
Management Analysts
Medium51.36%
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Computer Systems Analysts
Medium48.05%
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Database Administrators
Medium50.55%
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Software Developers
Medium51.32%
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Medium60.00%
Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
Document Management Specialists
Medium56.74%
Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.
Information Technology Project Managers
Medium49.19%
Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.
Operations Research Analysts
Medium49.05%
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
Data Scientists
Medium59.38%
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Clinical Data Managers
Medium57.40%
Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Medium56.65%
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
Social Science Research Assistants
Medium53.73%
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Editors
Medium53.75%
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Writers and Authors
Medium55.16%
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Correspondence Clerks
High78.29%
Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.
File Clerks
High71.35%
File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
Proofreaders and Copy Markers
High74.34%
Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.
Statistical Assistants
High75.61%
Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.
Art Directors
Medium42.81%
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Medium52.48%
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Medium47.39%
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Interpreters and Translators
Medium53.60%
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Photographers
Medium49.91%
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
Film and Video Editors
Medium52.46%
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Word Processors and Typists
High83.45%
Use word processor, computer, or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned.
Desktop Publishers
Medium65.37%
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.