Technical writers possess both knowledge of proper writing rules and
technical based information. The technical information could be based
on computer and information systems, mathematics and physics, science
or engineering information. Often technical writers have some education
in the subject upon which they write in addition to the technical writing
degree. The technical writing degree program teaches the best ways to
get complex information recorded in a way that is understandable to the
masses. There are a variety of careers you can choose when you have completed
a technical writing degree, each of which has its own level of technical
understanding and income potential.
Technical Writer
A technical writer can enter any field that requires technical or informational
manuals to be written and edited. Technical writers are trained to make
difficult topics seem simple to the average person. After completing the
technical writing degree, you may want to seek certification or an additional
degree in the field you are interested in because the better you understand
the subject, the better you can make it understandable to someone with
no knowledge of it. Technical writers earn $46,000 - $65,000 depending
on where in the country they start working.
Training Materials Developer
A training materials developer uses the technical knowledge gained in
the technical writing degree program coupled with additional studies to
create training materials for various types of companies. These materials
can be hazardous materials manuals, human resource training materials
or scientific experiments training materials, among others. Training Materials
Developers start out at $52,000 per year.
Human Resources Generalist
The human resources generalist handles everything that has to do with
human resources work. For this reason they need a huge range of knowledge
and the ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. The
tasks involved are incredibly variable because they are dependent on the
needs and size of the company. It is important that this individual is
able to understand technical material and be able to disseminate it to
the people to be trained in the company. Human Resources Generalists earn
about $59,000 starting.
