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Technology

How to become a Technical Writer

Writes the documentation, guides and API references that let people actually use a product. From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
3–12 months
Typical pay
$62k–$85k
Starting from
No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

Commonly asked for

  • No degree commonly required, though English, journalism or a technical degree helps
  • A public writing portfolio matters more than the credential
  • Comfort reading code expected for API documentation roles
See technical writer jobs open now

The route

  1. Prove you can write

    Clear, structured, no padding. A portfolio settles this faster than a degree.

  2. Learn the domain

    API docs pay more than user guides, and require reading code.

    Course that covers thisA Gentle Introduction To JavaScript For Absolute BeginnersUdemy · around $19.99

  3. Learn docs-as-code

    Git, Markdown, and a static site generator. Increasingly assumed.

    Course that covers thisThe Complete HTML & CSS Course and ProjectsUdemy · around $19.99

  4. Build a public portfolio

    Contribute to open-source documentation — real, verifiable, and it gets you hired.

  5. Destination

    Technical Writer

    Browse jobs now

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