Employment

Technical Communicators hold a great deal of positions across myriad fields. We can be found in IT, publishing, communications, marketing, public relations, research and development, human resources, education, quality assurance, corporate management, healthcare, government, business development, planning and project management. We are writers and editors of computer code, software, manuals, help media, online content, presentations, speeches, business and proposal plans, IRBs, research studies, scholarly journal articles, books, encyclopedia entries, press releases, job descriptions and resumes. Our titles include editor, technical writer, copy writer/editor, contract specialist, grant writer, public relations specialist, usability expert, translator, content developer, documentation specialist, indexer, information architect/designer, instructional designer, curriculum planner, researcher, teacher, technical illustrator, human factors professional, visual designers and Web designer/developer.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Information about Technical Writing

Job prospects are improving for technical writers according to the BLS 2010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook. Important points include:

Most jobs in this occupation require a college degree—preferably in communications, journalism, or English—but a degree in a technical subject may be useful.
Job prospects for most technical writing jobs are expected to be good, particularly for those with web or multimedia experience.
Excellent communications skills, curiosity, and attention to detail are highly desired traits.

According to the BLS, “Employment of technical writers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations as the need to explain a growing number of electronic and scientific products increases.” By 2018, positions for technical writers should increase 18% from 2008.

Percentile wage estimates for 2009 were from $37,070 to $100,020 annually, $17.82 to $48.09 hourly. The median or 50% annual and hourly wages were $62,730 and $30.16. In Tennessee the mean annual and hourly wages for 2009 were $58,640 and $28.19. For the greater Memphis area (TN-MS-AR), 2009 mean annual and hourly wages were $55,370 and $26.62.

Job Announcements

If you would like to employ a technical communicator, or if you have information about a job opening or internship, contact our chapter’s Employment Manager.

If you are a member seeking employment, browse Local Positions Available, follow links to the Web sites of known Employers of Technical Communicators, or check out the Placement Agencies/Recruiters, Job Search Engines/RSS Feeds or Other Resources provided.

DISCLAIMER—STC does not recommend people for jobs, recruit applicants for employers, or determine if a position offering is legitimate. The responsibility of verifying information and judging qualifications rests with the job seeker and the employer.

Technical Writer - Memphis, TN

Job ID: N/A
Salary Range: $35-$50/hr, depending on experience
Job Type: Contract until 2012, potentially contract to permanent
Duties: Create awareness campaigns and information security documents, including Web content, brochures, posters, manuals, etc. Handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Requirements:

Five years of experience as a technical writer.
IT Security background highly preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of the publication lifecycle and able to manage multiple projects/dates.
Experience interfacing with corporate communications in creating diverse campaigns and publications.

How to Apply: If interested, send your resume to Bob Burditt at the Vaco recruiting company in Memphis.

Technical Writer - Memphis, TN

Job ID: N/A
Salary Range: $20-$25/hr
Job Type: Contract – 2mo
Duties: Communicating with Subject Matter Experts to document policies and procedures.
Requirements: 2-3 years technical writing experience
How to Apply: If interested, send your resume to Bob Burditt at the Vaco recruiting company in Memphis.