Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

The Work

Technical Writers in Ireland are mainly concerned with producing the documentation which accompany both hardware and software products. However they also deal with a variety of other products e.g. those in the aviation and healthcare fields.  
 
In the ICT sector they produce the installation guide, user guides, troubleshooting manuals, technical description of the software, as well as the on-line help option provided in most software applications.  
 
Technical Writers work very closely with Software Engineers and Designers when planning the documentation needed to support the particular software product. In some cases this may be written for different people within an organisation e.g. the technical support staff, the information technology manager responsible for purchasing the product and the end user who will operate the system.  
 
The amount of documentation or on-line help required will depend on the sise and complexity of the system developed by the Software Engineers. Technical Writers will also be involved in the development of the various screens in the software product, checking that the language used is correct and understandable. Often on a small project the technical writing will be done by the Software Engineer.  
 
Technical Writers may work individually or as part of a team on a bigger project. There may also be an Editor involved, if the project is large enough. Technical Writers need to adopt a neutral style of writing, be able to communicate clearly and organise their thoughts logically.  
 
Technical Writers will need word processing and desk top publishing skills to prepare the documentation, although on larger projects, desk top publishing specialists will be employed to complete the documentation, and to review and give final approval on all printed materials.  
 
Technical Writers start each job by finding out what the reader needs to know. They do this by referring to relevant documents and by consulting experts and people working in the area they are writing about.  
 
Often, they have to visualise equipment and products without having them to look at because they haven't actually been manufactured when they write the documents. They also have to decide the best way to put across information and select the right language and style for their readers.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Organise material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
• Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
• Edit, standardise, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
• Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
• Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
• Develop or maintain online help documentation.
• Assist in laying out material for publication.
• Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
• Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
• Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.

Further Information

• Technical Writer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Technical Writer - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Technical Writers come from a variety of educational backgrounds. They may be people with an Arts degree in English or have a teaching background or they may be people who have some technical training or experience. A post-graduate diploma in computing would also be a very desirable qualification for positions of Technical Writers.  
 
There are numerous courses that could be beneficial to someone interested in a career as a Technical Writer.  
Training as a journalist may develop relevant skills such as the ability to research facts, write to deadlines and meet an editor's requirements. For most authors, the process of writing is largely trial and error.  

Relevant work or voluntary experience is extremely useful and this could include any work that uses research and word processing skills or work for a local newspaper / publication, student journalism, and technical subject matter expertise.  

Courses and training will build on your experience and craft to develop in a highliy networked occupation and sector. Writers may write alone, in teams, and liaise with the production process during development. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Media production in centres around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Creative writing & Digital media, Journalism, Communications, Media studies around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Animator NFQ level 9, there are no specific writing Apprenticeships currently but more are developing Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Digital media, Media & Communications, Arts & media studies, Journalism,  writing & literature, Arts NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Arts & Media, Creative writing & digital media, Journalism, Technical Writing NFQ level 9 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €65k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
CPL/ Payscale / Brightwater/ Prosperity.ie/ Collins McNicholas/ Lincoln/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in this occupation has seen little change in recent years, with numbers employed in 2022 slightly lower than five years ago, resulting in a negative employment growth rate. The CSO Census data indicates that increases in employment related to public relations professionals and librarians. 

The numbers employed in the individual occupations are too small for any further analysis.

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