| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel. |
| Importance: 98 (%) | Description: Maintain records and files of work and revisions. |
| Importance: 98 (%) | Description: Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods. |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Assist in laying out material for publication. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail. |
| Importance: 77 (%) | Description: Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment. |
| Importance: 73 (%) | Description: Develop or maintain online help documentation. |
Bachelor Degree Careers and Jobs (jobs after undergraduate degree)
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with a Bachelor's Degree with or without Certificates - All On One Page
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Bachelor's Degree.
A bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for a wide range of professional, technical, and management-track careers across nearly every industry. For people who want to compare where a four-year degree can lead before choosing a major or job. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.
Here is a short Helper Video
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Bachelor's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Bachelor's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Bachelor's Degree Jobs ![]()
What jobs can you get with a Bachelor's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Bachelor's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having a Bachelor's Degree. - 255 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Bachelor's Degree) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Technical Writers.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Technical Writers" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Description: Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Technical Writers":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
52,300U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
58,300
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
6,100 (11.6%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
5,500
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Compile technical information or documentation. | |
| Confer with clients to determine needs. | |
| Coordinate logistics for productions or events. | |
| Design layouts for print publications. | |
| Determine presentation subjects or content. | |
| Develop detailed project plans. | |
| Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures. | |
| Draw detailed or technical illustrations. | |
| Edit written materials. | |
| Maintain records, documents, or other files. | |
| Monitor current trends. | |
| Research new technologies. | |
| Review details of technical drawings or specifications. | |
| Write informational material. | |
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Compile records, documentation, or other data. |
| Activity: Confer with clients to determine needs or order specifications. |
| Activity: Create visual designs or displays. |
| Activity: Develop news, entertainment, or artistic content. |
| Activity: Develop organizational policies, systems, or processes. |
| Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures. |
| Activity: Edit written materials or documents. |
| Activity: Maintain operational records. |
| Activity: Monitor external affairs, trends, or events. |
| Activity: Plan work activities. |
| Activity: Prepare informational or instructional materials. |
| Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes. |
| Activity: Research technology designs or applications. |
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | |||||
| Content workflow software: | |||||
| Atlassian JIRA | |||||
| Document management software: | |||||
| Microsoft SharePoint | |||||
| Electronic mail software: | |||||
| Microsoft Outlook | |||||
| Enterprise application integration software: | |||||
| Extensible markup language XML | |||||
| Office suite software: | |||||
| Microsoft Office software | |||||
| Presentation software: | |||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | |||||
| Process mapping and design software: | |||||
| Microsoft Visio | |||||
| Project management software: | |||||
| Atlassian Confluence | |||||
| Spreadsheet software: | |||||
| Microsoft Excel | |||||
| Word processing software: | |||||
| Microsoft Word | |||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | |||||
| Analytical or scientific software: | |||||
| SAS | |||||
| Application server software: | |||||
| GitHub | |||||
| Computer aided design CAD software: | |||||
| Autodesk AutoCAD Dassault Systemes SolidWorks | |||||
| Data base reporting software: | |||||
| Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS | |||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | |||||
| Microsoft Access Microsoft SQL Server Structured query language SQL | |||||
| Desktop publishing software: | |||||
| Adobe InDesign | |||||
| Development environment software: | |||||
| Microsoft Visual Basic | |||||
| Document management software: | |||||
| Adobe Acrobat | |||||
| File versioning software: | |||||
| Git | |||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | |||||
| Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop | |||||
| Medical software: | |||||
| Epic Systems | |||||
| Object or component oriented development software: | |||||
| Oracle Java | |||||
| Project management software: | |||||
| Microsoft Project | |||||
| Web platform development software (scroll table below): | |||||
| |||||
| General Software Tools | |||||
| Computer aided design CAD software: | |||||
| Dassault Systemes CATIA PTC Creo Parametric | |||||
| Computer based training software: | |||||
| Adobe Captivate | |||||
| Configuration management software: | |||||
| IBM Rational ClearCase Perforce Helix software | |||||
| Data base reporting software: | |||||
| Oracle Business Intelligence Discoverer SAP Crystal Reports | |||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | |||||
| Author-it FileMaker Pro Talisma Knowledgebase | |||||
| Data mining software: | |||||
| IBM Cognos Business Intelligence | |||||
| Desktop communications software: | |||||
| ParentSquare | |||||
| Desktop publishing software (scroll table below): | |||||
| |||||
| Development environment software: | |||||
| Darwin information typing architecture DITA IBM Rational ClearQuest Standardized general markup language SGML | |||||
| Electronic mail software: | |||||
| IBM Notes | |||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software: | |||||
| SAP Business Objects | |||||
| Financial analysis software: | |||||
| Oracle E-Business Suite Financials | |||||
| Graphical user interface development software: | |||||
| Adobe RoboHelp | |||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | |||||
| Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite Corel Paint Shop Pro | |||||
| Instant messaging software: | |||||
| Blink | |||||
| Internet browser software: | |||||
| Web browser software | |||||
| Object or component oriented development software: | |||||
| Objective C | |||||
| Video creation and editing software: | |||||
| Apple Final Cut Pro | |||||
| Web page creation and editing software: | |||||
| Adobe Dreamweaver Google Sites JustSystems XMetaL Quadralay WebWorks ePublisher | |||||
| Web platform development software: | |||||
| Drupal Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP |
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
| A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
| Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators. |
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 35.3 (%) | Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 33.0 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 15.9 (%) | Level of Education: Some College Courses |
| Frequency of Attainment: 6.9 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) |
| Frequency of Attainment: 5.5 (%) | Level of Education: Master's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 2.5 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. |
| Frequency of Attainment: 1.0 (%) | Level of Education: Doctoral Degree |
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 38.7 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 23.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 12.5 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.2 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 6.9 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 0.7 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year |
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
|
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Certified Professional Technical Communicator - Foundational | |
|
Certified Professional Technical Communicator - Practitioner | |
|
Grant Professionals Certification | |
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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Grant Professionals Association (GPA) | |
|
National Resume Writers Association (NRWA) | |
|
Society for Technical Communication (STC) | |
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Technical Writers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Technical Writers
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
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