How long does it take to become a technical writer?

Typically about four years for the degree, then a few weeks of training on the job, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do technical writers make?

The US median is $90,390 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a technical writer?

Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.

Where can you train to become a technical writer?

304 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a technical writer

Arts, design, media & film · SOC 27-3042

$90,390US median pay, 2025

+0.8%Projected growth, 2025–35

3,200Openings per year

Degree + experienceUsual way in

How you get in

Not an entry-level job: it usually takes a degree plus years of related work.

Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years of experience in a related job
Short-term on-the-job training
Work as a technical writer

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing	CIP 23.1303	159
Writing, General	CIP 23.1301	100
Business/Corporate Communications, General	CIP 52.0501	52
Technical and Scientific Communication	CIP 09.0908	25
Grantsmanship	CIP 52.0502	2
Business/Corporate Communications, Other	CIP 52.0599	1
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Communication	CIP 19.0202	0

See the 304 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a technical writer?: Typically about four years for the degree, then a few weeks of training on the job, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do technical writers make?: The US median is $90,390 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a technical writer?: Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.
Where can you train to become a technical writer?: 304 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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