Technical writers
SOC Code: 27-3042
Technical writers carries a 49% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $91,670 and +0.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 56,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 49% AI exposure, Technical writers sits 12 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 86% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Technical writers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Technical writers has ai exposure of 49%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Technical writers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Technical writers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Technical writers (SOC 27-3042) carries an AI exposure score of 49%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 56,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.9% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $91,670, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Technical writers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- 2. Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
- 3. Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- 4. Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
- 5. Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
- 6. Develop or maintain online help documentation.
- 7. Assist in laying out material for publication.
- 8. Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
- 9. Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
- 10. Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
Key Skills Required
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Monitoring
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Technical writers?
Technical writers has an AI exposure score of 49%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Technical writers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Technical writers is projected to grow by 0.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 56,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Technical writers?
Key skills for Technical writers include Writing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Technical writers earn?
The median annual wage for Technical writers is $91,670, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Technical writers?
The typical entry-level education for Technical writers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Technical writers?
Technical writers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).