There are many reasons people want to get into tech, but there is no need to deny that pay is a huge motivating factor. While many people lack the patience and ‘ability’ to pick up coding skills, there are many other tech jobs that do not require coding.
One such role is that of a technical writer, whose task is to take advanced technical concepts and communicate them as clearly, accurately, and comprehensively as possible to their intended audience, ensuring that the work is accessible to its users.
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Technical Writer is $85,616 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $75,752 per year. So you can understand our shock when we discovered a Nigeria-based Nigerian earning as much as $500000 as a Technical Writer.
In today’s world, we recognize the immense financial potential held within the tech industry, but it demands a considerable investment of time and effort. So we had a chat with Taiwo* (real name withheld for security reasons) to give us a glimpse of his life as a technical writer and how he earns almost half a million dollars every year from his work.
“I made my first $1000 in technical writing from Upwork (freelancing platform), this is from after a a year and some months collecting stipends. The company decided to retain me as a full staff, i have been working with them for approximately six years now, but my salary did not start with $500k”.
Becoming a Technical Writer
Taiwo recounts the first step to becoming a technical writer, “I come from an art background, so I was unsure whether I was suitable for a career in tech. In 2014, my closest friend introduced me to technical writing. Initially, I declined the offer, assuming it would solely revolve around writing code. However, my perspective changed when I enrolled in a technical writing course.“
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Maintaining expertise is a continuous journey that requires dedication and effort. Firstly, staying updated with the latest research, trends, and advancements in your field is essential. Reading books, and articles, and attending relevant conferences or webinars can help expand your knowledge.
Taiwo says,
“Tech is all about continuous learning, new things come up every time in tech. So if you still rely on the same knowledge you have 5 years ago, it might not take you far enough”.
“I take advantage of online platforms and e-learning courses to enhance my skills and stay updated on the latest trends. Completing certifications related to technical writing or specific technologies helps validate my expertise and ensures I am knowledgeable about the latest practices.”
Moreover, nurturing a curious mindset and embracing lifelong learning is vital for sustained expertise. By staying curious, adaptable, and committed to self-improvement, you can maintain and enhance your expertise in an ever-evolving world.
The challenges of earning $500K in Nigeria
While Taiwo is unwilling to share how the money made is spent, the technical writer reveals some challenges faced by receiving money from abroad in Nigeria.
“I usually have the dollar sent to my Naira bank account and when the money is received, the bank automatically creates a dollar account for me. It’s at this point it starts getting stressful because now I have to go to the bank with all my valid IDs to activate the dollar account that was created before I can access my money. This takes quite a while and honestly, I don’t think it’s necessary. I’d like to receive money in my account without the stress of going to the bank.”
Quite surprisingly, Taiwo disclosed that relocation to a foreign country is not in the immediate plans despite the substantial income. The preference to live at home and travel to other different countries for vacation prevails.
“This comes as to shock to a lot of people, that i earn so much money, yet I am still in Nigeria. For one, I travel a lot, love going to different countries for vacations. Actually, my ultimate goal is to get a citizinship in US. Also a philantropist, most of my money also go into charity”
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For upcoming technical writers….
Technical writing offers benefits for both the writer and the readers. As a writer, it helps you deepen your understanding of the subject while showcasing your technical skills. At the same time, readers benefit from clear and concise documentation. This process allows you to improve your expertise and proficiency in the specific concept you are writing about.
These are the 3 top pieces of advice that I will give to people who are planning to go into technical writing.
Master your subject matter: To be a technical writer requires a strong understanding of the subject you are writing about. Invest time in thoroughly researching and familiarizing yourself with the topic. Acquire in-depth knowledge to ensure accurate and precise communication of complex technical concepts.
Hone your writing skills: This demands clear and concise communication. As a technical writer, you have to sharpen your writing skills by practising brevity, organizing information logically, and using language that is easily understood by your target audience. Strive to develop a writing style that is both informative and engaging.
Embrace usability and user experience: Technical writing often involves creating documentation or instructions for end-users. Prioritize usability and user experience by focusing on creating user-friendly content. Incorporate visuals, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions to enhance clarity and comprehension. Regularly gather feedback from users to improve the usability of your documentation.
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