Technical Editor Jobs Overview
Technical editor jobs are usually filled by former technical writers. As writers, they created copy for instruction manuals, articles, and other materials that explain complex scientific, medical, or technical information. As writers are promoted to technical editors, their job is to proofread writers’ copy and flag spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. They also check facts and make sure the writing is understandable. Technical editors work with their writers to develop topics and projects to pursue.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that technical writer jobs will experience 12% growth over the next 10 years due to the proliferation of scientific, high-tech, electronic, and web-based products. One technical editor usually works with a staff of several writers, so the number of technical editor jobs may not increase as much.
If working in communications jobs interests you, you can expand your search to related jobs such as:
Technical Editor Education and Skills
Editors generally have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or communications. Having a second degree or job experience in a technical topic such as healthcare, science, or engineering can boost a tech editor’s value to employers. A technical editor's college curriculum includes:
- business policy development
- business law
- technical design theory and design software
- visual and web design
- document structure
- engineering and software documentation
- corporate communications
- scientific, medical, or technology writing
Along with writing skills, an editor needs soft skills that include creativity, detail orientation, and good judgment. Here is some information about how to become a technical writer. Then take a look at this Monster job description for an editor to see what else you might need to get a technical editor job.
Update Your Technical Editor Resume
It stands to reason that a professional editor should have a resume that reads well and is thoughtfully organized. Monster has an entire library of sample resumes to get you started if you’re wondering what to include and how to format yours.
As a technical editor, you know how to distill complex information into simple, reader-friendly prose. Channel that skill into writing an outstanding cover letter to accompany your resume that both introduces yourself to hiring managers and serves as a writing sample. You can learn how to format and write an effective cover letter by browsing Monster's cover letter writing tips.
Interviewing for a Technical Editor Job
Writers and editors are great at asking questions. But how do you feel about answering them, especially in an interview? If only you knew what the hiring manager was going to ask. To ensure that your job interviews go well, do what comes naturally when you need more information—research! Monster has compiled a library of articles about how to devise compelling answers to interview questions, including what to do when the interviewer asks you to sell them a pencil.
How Much Do Technical Editor Jobs Pay?
According to Monster, the median pay for a technical writer in the U.S. is $33.68 per hour. For an editor of any kind, it’s $25.19 per hour. Once you receive a job offer, make sure you’re getting what you’re worth. To help you with that, here are questions you can ask during salary negotiations.
Want to Learn More About a Company You’re Interested In?
There’s a difference between finding a job and finding a job that fits. We want to help you do both. One way to know whether a potential employer will fit the bill is to do some research before applying or interviewing. Monster’s Company Profiles are a way to do just that. Search for a company you’re considering, and if they’re in our database, you’ll see information like:
- when the company was established
- the benefits they offer employees
- their proudest accomplishments
Find Technical Editor Jobs That Are Just Your Type
Yes, that was kind of cheesy. But we won’t fool around when it comes to finding technical editor jobs for you. You have a page full of jobs here to get started. Then, go a step further and create a profile on Monster so you can connect with recruiters and employers who are looking for someone just like you. We’ll also send you new job openings as soon as they’re posted.