Technical Writers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.95
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.93
Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.92
Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.86
Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.85
Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.83
Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.81
Develop or maintain online help documentation.81
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.78
Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.77
Assist in laying out material for publication.71
Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.70

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Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.69
Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.65
Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.54

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Writing97
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening69
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.
Speaking69
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking66
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Complex Problem Solving44
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Negotiation41
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Instructing38
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies38
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Operations Analysis38
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Analysis35
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Quality Control Analysis31
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Service Orientation28
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Evaluation22
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Material Resources16
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics16
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring13
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Financial Resources10
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science6
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Troubleshooting3
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

English Language95
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics82
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administrative69
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Administration and Management56
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.
Communications and Media56
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and Training54
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security54
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.
Production and Processing53
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service50
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics48
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology47
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical46
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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Telecommunications36
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Design35
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Transportation33
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Law and Government32
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Medicine and Dentistry26
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Sales and Marketing26
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Chemistry20
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Economics and Accounting19
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Psychology19
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Physics17
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Personnel and Human Resources15
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Building and Construction11
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Biology8
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sociology and Anthropology7
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Geography5
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Foreign Language4
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology3
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Therapy and Counseling2
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Philosophy and Theology1
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Written Expression81
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Information Ordering66
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Inductive Reasoning60
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Problem Sensitivity60
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity60
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition53
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

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Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention38
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Finger Dexterity35
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Flexibility of Closure31
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Visual Color Discrimination31
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Perceptual Speed28
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Far Vision25
The ability to see details at a distance.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Auditory Attention22
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Mathematical Reasoning22
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility22
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Time Sharing22
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Control Precision10
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Depth Perception10
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Spatial Orientation6
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Trunk Strength3
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers90
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information83
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge77
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates76
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others76
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Analyzing Data or Information75
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Processing Information75
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work74
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Documenting/Recording Information73
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships65
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Thinking Creatively64
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards62
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems58
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization52
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.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings52
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Training and Teaching Others51
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People50
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Scheduling Work and Activities48
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information46
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others45
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams44
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Developing Objectives and Strategies44
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment44
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others42
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others41
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Selling or Influencing Others41
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing Administrative Activities40
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials29
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates28
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Assisting and Caring for Others27
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Coaching and Developing Others24
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment23
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes22
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Monitoring and Controlling Resources21
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment20
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public17
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing General Physical Activities16
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Staffing Organizational Units16
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment12
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Handling and Moving Objects11
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail92
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability75
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Intellectual Curiosity68
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Achievement Orientation51
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Cautiousness48
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation46
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Perseverance41
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity41
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Adaptability40
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Innovation39
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Integrity36
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Initiative35
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

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Self-Confidence31
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Stress Tolerance27
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Sincerity23
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Self-Control22
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation22
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility19
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Empathy14
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism7
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional72
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Artistic54
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Investigative45
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic30
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Social17
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising16
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day74%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important76%
- Important17%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important75%
- Very important11%
Spend Time Sitting
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important76%
- Very important14%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day66%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom65%
- Some freedom13%
- Limited freedom19%
Time Pressure
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day31%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day75%
- Never17%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
Contact With Others
- Contact with others most of the time20%
- Contact with others about half the time30%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually41%
- Less than half the time11%

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Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours46%
- 40 hours39%
- Less than 40 hours14%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom14%
- Some freedom27%
- Limited freedom55%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually34%
- Less than half the time21%
- Never11%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day47%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never18%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results11%
- Moderate results41%
- Minor results14%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Important18%
- Fairly important17%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important45%
- Not important at all38%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never21%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive42%
- Moderately competitive36%
- Not at all competitive18%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never15%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)63%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)14%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)13%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility16%
- Limited responsibility16%
- No responsibility28%
Consequence of Error
- Serious30%
- Fairly serious49%
- Not serious at all12%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never29%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never43%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated15%
- Slightly automated53%
- Not at all automated24%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Limited responsibility60%
- No responsibility33%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time67%
- Never32%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)17%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)83%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time28%
- Never72%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never92%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all92%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never91%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never92%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never92%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never91%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never92%
Exposed to High Places
- Never91%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never92%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never98%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never98%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never99%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never99%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never96%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never99%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Bachelor’s degree
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Web platform development software
Cascading style sheets CSS, Hypertext markup language HTML, Microsoft ASP.NET, PHP
Web page creation and editing software
Adobe Dreamweaver, Google Sites, JustSystems XMetaL, Quadralay WebWorks ePublisher
Desktop publishing software
Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe InDesign, MadCap Software MadCap Flare, Microsoft Publisher
Data base user interface and query software
FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Structured query language SQL
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Development environment software
Darwin information typing architecture DITA, IBM Rational ClearQuest, Microsoft Visual Basic, Standardized general markup language SGML
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes CATIA, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, PTC Creo Parametric
Data base reporting software
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS, Oracle Business Intelligence Discoverer, SAP Crystal Reports
Configuration management software
IBM Rational ClearCase, Perforce Helix software
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint
Object or component oriented development software
Objective C, Oracle Java
Project management software
Atlassian Confluence, Microsoft Project
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Medical software
Epic Systems
Content workflow software
Atlassian JIRA
Application server software
GitHub
Computer based training software
Adobe Captivate
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP Business Objects
Desktop communications software
ParentSquare
Video creation and editing software
Apple Final Cut Pro
File versioning software
Git
Enterprise application integration software
Extensible markup language XML
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Graphical user interface development software
Adobe RoboHelp
Instant messaging software
Blink
Financial analysis software
Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Analytical or scientific software
SAS
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data mining software
IBM Cognos Business Intelligence
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Edit written materials.
Compile technical information or documentation.
Maintain records, documents, or other files.
Monitor current trends.
Review details of technical drawings or specifications.
Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
Write informational material.
Determine presentation subjects or content.
Confer with clients to determine needs.
Design layouts for print publications.
Research new technologies.
Develop detailed project plans.

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Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.
Draw detailed or technical illustrations.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Technical Content Professional
Technical Writer (Nof)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology