Technical Writer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Technical Writer salary lies between USD 85,000 and USD 154,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Technical Writer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Technical Writer job listings are Clearance, Cloud and DoD. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Clearance | 38 jobs Cloud | 24 jobs DoD | 22 jobs Agile | 21 jobs Incident response | 20 jobs Top Secret | 19 jobs Security Clearance | 19 jobs Compliance | 18 jobs TS/SCI | 16 jobs Privacy | 14 jobs Computer Science | 14 jobs Automation | 12 jobs Threat intelligence | 11 jobs SDLC | 11 jobs APIs | 11 jobs ConOps | 11 jobs R&D | 10 jobs Confluence | 10 jobs Government agency | 10 jobs Strategy | 9 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Technical Writer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Technical Writer job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 48 jobs Health care | 41 jobs Competitive pay | 33 jobs Startup environment | 21 jobs Insurance | 19 jobs Medical leave | 18 jobs 401(k) matching | 17 jobs Team events | 17 jobs Equity / stock options | 12 jobs Flex vacation | 11 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Parental leave | 10 jobs Flex hours | 9 jobs Transparency | 8 jobs Wellness | 6 jobs Travel | 4 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition in InfoSec/Cyber Security Technical Writing

The salary for a Technical Writer in the InfoSec/Cyber Security field typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 5-15% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in tech companies, or comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York might be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a Technical Writer position in InfoSec/Cyber Security, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in both technical writing and cybersecurity. This could involve learning new tools, programming languages, or cybersecurity concepts.
• Advanced Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications in cybersecurity or technical writing to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities in both technical writing and cybersecurity to learn about new opportunities and trends.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial roles within your team or department, which often come with higher pay.
• Industry Transition: Consider moving to industries that pay higher salaries for technical writers, such as finance or healthcare.

Educational Requirements

Most employers require a bachelor's degree for a Technical Writer position in InfoSec/Cyber Security. Relevant fields of study include English, Communications, Journalism, or a related field. However, having a background in computer science or information technology can be advantageous, as it provides a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of cybersecurity.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your credibility and expertise in the field. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Recognized globally, this certification demonstrates a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles.
• Certified Technical Writer (CTW): Focuses on the skills needed for effective technical writing.
• CompTIA Security+: A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity concepts.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Useful if your writing involves penetration testing or ethical hacking topics.

Experience Requirements

Typically, employers look for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in technical writing or a related field. Experience in cybersecurity is highly valued, as it indicates familiarity with the industry’s specific language and concepts. Experience working with technical teams or in a tech environment can also be beneficial.

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