Technische Redakteurin erklärt komplexes Produkt

Job profile

Technical writer (m/f/d)

Technical writers can be employed in various industries and are an important part of the production and distribution of technical products. They often work in the technical documentation departments of large industrial companies. The main task of technical writers is to explain the functions of complex devices in understandable language and make them accessible to users. This enables them to use the product without any problems.

Key Facts
Technical writer (m/f/d)

Tasks
  • Research work
  • development of concepts
  • creation of technical documentation 
Education
  • Degree in technical communication
  • further training as a technical writer
Skills
  • Specialist knowledge of the industries
  • knowledge of relevant technologies and IT, CMS and graphics programmes
  • excellent verbal skills
Salary
Ø 46,800 € gross annual salary 
Tasks
  • Research work
  • development of concepts
  • creation of technical documentation 
Education
  • Degree in technical communication
  • further training as a technical writer
Skills
  • Specialist knowledge of the industries
  • knowledge of relevant technologies and IT, CMS and graphics programmes
  • excellent verbal skills
Wages
Ø 46,800 € gross annual salary 

  • For applicants
  • For companies
  • For freelancer

Are you looking for a job as a technical writer (m/f/d)?

As a technical writer, you use your expertise to illustrate complex topics. Thanks to your expertise, it is no problem for you to explain particularly abstract technical products. Would you like to do this important job in a new environment? Then let's plan your next career move together. 

Are you looking for an experienced technical writer (m/f/d)?

Does your company need active support to explain complex and technical products or services? Then work with us to find the support you need: professional technical writers from our talent pool. 

Are you looking for a new project as a Technical Writer (m/f/d)?

Are your skills in conceptualising, researching and writing texts unbeatable and would you like to put your expertise to the test in a new project? Then take a look at our open projects-board and find a new challenge in technical writing where you can shine. 

What is a technical writer?
Definition and overview

A technical writer writes comprehensible instructions for technical products, often called information products, to make them easier for users to use. These can be operating, assembly and design instructions, as well as safety regulations and training material. 

The aim is to explain technically complex products such as smartphones, cars, kitchen appliances or medical technology as clearly as possible for the respective target group. In addition to traditional operating instructions, they can also create graphics, videos, apps or even augmented reality. 

Technical writers must have a very good technical understanding of their product. After all, they have the task of presenting and explaining complex issues and procedures as clearly as possible. In addition, they must be able to conduct in-depth research and work well with content management systems (CMS). Their well thought-out concepts simplify the everyday lives of countless customers, who are ultimately able to deal with complicated technology more quickly and easily. 

Technical writer salary:
What you can earn

The salary of technical writers in Germany is around €46,800 gross per year. 

However, the salary prospects for technical writers vary greatly. In smaller companies, the average gross salary is around €38,000 per year. Employees in larger companies can achieve an annual salary of around €58,000, depending on their professional experience. 

In addition, the salary depends on the training, the industry and the location of the company. Experienced technical writers with specialised skills or knowledge in a sought-after industry can often negotiate a higher salary. 

Starting salary as a technical writer: Junior technical writer salary

The average starting salary in technical editing in Germany is €41,000 per year. After around 3 years, this salary rises to €46,000. 

What does a technical writer do?
Tasks and daily routine

Technical writers act as generalists who take care of the entire technical documentation process. This means that they design, create and update technical documentation such as operating instructions, installation and assembly instructions or training documents. This is because information products such as software or complex machines are not self-explanatory. 

In order to achieve this, technical writers have to develop concepts and research product information, as well as being in constant dialogue with developers. For many technical writers, scientific journalism is also part of their everyday work. They mainly write guides or articles for specialist journals. 

The most important tasks of technical writers on the job are: 

  • Research work 

  • Translations of already created content 

  • Exchange with developers 

  • Compliance with legal regulations  

  • Creation of multimedia content 

  • Creation of writerial content 

  • Creation of technical documentation 

  • Development of concepts 

How do you become a technical writer?
Training, studies & further education

In Germany, the demand for qualified technical writers is currently high. In addition to graduates of degree programmes such as Technical Communication, career changers are also in demand. Additional training and formal qualifications in technical communication are important for lateral entry. 

Many companies have particularly good opportunities for female engineers and specialists with technical vocational training. Software companies are also increasingly looking for employees with a non-technical background. 

In order to be successful in the job in the long term, it is also advisable to network with other people and to continuously develop your skills. Due to innovations and further developments in technology, technical writers need to keep their knowledge up to date. For easy networking, tekom offers various memberships - even free of charge for students and trainees. 

Further training to become a technical writer: the practical route

In addition to a degree programme, further training to become a technical writer is also a good way to start your career. Institutes offer training to become a technical writer both full-time and part-time. The main advantage of this type of training is the targeted learning of all the important skills for the job and the opportunity to gain practical experience at the same time. 

For a lateral entry as a technical writer, a full-time training programme lasting several months is suitable, while for people with professional experience but without a degree, a part-time training programme might be more suitable. 

At the end of the training programme, we recommend taking the certification exam organised by tekom e.V., for which you register independently. The certificate is internationally recognised and proves relevant knowledge in technical writerial offices.  

Studium: Technischer Redakteur auf akademischen Weg werden

If you want to become a technical writer via the academic route, you are well advised to study technical communication or technical editing. Engineering degree programmes are also suitable for pursuing this career path. Generally speaking, a degree programme is very popular with technical writers in HR departments. 

Suitable degree programmes for prospective technical writers: 

Other suitable degree programmes are, for example: 

  • Linguistics 

  • Media and communication 

  • Engineering sciences 

  • Technical specialisations 

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Important hard and soft skills for technical writers

Technical writers need in-depth expertise in the industries in which they work, as well as knowledge of relevant technologies. They should also be confident in using IT, CMS and graphics programmes. A key skill is their excellent ability to express themselves linguistically, which enables them to present even very complex issues simply. 

Technical writers need these hard skills: 

  • Relevant studies or vocational training 

  • Clear spelling 

  • Confident use of word processing software and other necessary tools 

  • Very good technical understanding 

  • Excellent German and English language skills 

And these soft skills are required: 

  • Good time management 

  • Analytical mindset and conceptual skills 

  • Careful working style 

  • Quick comprehension 

  • Strong communication skills 

Career as a technical writer:
opportunities on the labour market

Companies that manufacture and sell technical products are also obliged to supply operating instructions. Technical writers are therefore in demand in many different areas. According to the Association for Technical Communication, around 90,000 people currently work in technical communication in Germany.  

Common sectors in which technical writers are in demand are: 

  • Electrical engineering 

  • Consumer electronics 

  • Medical technology 

  • Software development 

  • Mechanical engineering 

Find the ideal job as a technical writer with hays

As a technical writer, you are responsible for information management in a company. You will present complex interrelationships in a simple way and work across all sectors. We will be happy to help you find a promising position in a suitable company. Find out more about the benefits of finding a job with Hays today! Whether you are looking for a permanent position, freelance work, temporary employment or workforce management - get in touch with us! 

Find out about your entry opportunities and jobs today! 

Top vacancies as a technical writer:
jobs throughout Germany

FAQ

How much does a technical writer earn?

In Germany, technical writers earn an average of € 46,800 gross per year. At entry level, the average salary is €41,000 per year.

How much does a technical writer earn?

In Germany, technical writers earn an average of € 46,800 gross per year. At entry level, the average salary is €41,000 per year.


What are the tasks of a technical writer?

Technical writers translate the use of complex technical devices into practical and easy-to-understand instructions for use. This technical communication can take place in writing, but also through graphics or videos.

What are the tasks of a technical writer?

Technical writers translate the use of complex technical devices into practical and easy-to-understand instructions for use. This technical communication can take place in writing, but also through graphics or videos.


What degree do you need to become a technical writer?

A degree in technical communication is suitable for a career as a technical writer. Alternatively, engineering or communication science degree programmes are also available.

What degree do you need to become a technical writer?

A degree in technical communication is suitable for a career as a technical writer. Alternatively, engineering or communication science degree programmes are also available.


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