How to Become a Freelance Technical Writer

The myth about technical writing is that it’s all instruction manuals and assembling furniture. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you might get to write NASA reports or government documents. But the truth? Technical writing spans across industries and offers some of the most financially rewarding opportunities in the freelance writing world.

And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be a tech genius to break into this field.

Whether you’re looking to escape a dead-end job, diversify your freelance portfolio, or simply earn more for your writing skills, technical writing deserves your attention. In fact, most freelancers are shocked when they discover just how accessible and lucrative this specialty can be.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about becoming a successful freelance technical writer in 2025 – from required skills and getting started with zero experience, to finding clients and scaling your income well beyond what most other writing niches can offer.

What Exactly Is Technical Writing (And Why It Pays So Well)

Let’s get something straight: technical writing isn’t just about explaining how to assemble a bookshelf or operate a coffee machine. It’s about translating complex information into clear, accessible content for specific audiences.

Technical writers create:

• Software documentation and user guides
• Training materials and eLearning courses
• White papers and case studies
• API documentation
• Standard operating procedures
• Product specifications
• Technical marketing content

So why does it pay so well? Simple. Technical writing solves expensive problems for businesses. When a company has complex products or services, they need someone who can translate technical jargon into language that users, customers, or even internal teams can understand.

The average technical writer salary ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 annually, with freelancers often earning between $50-$120 per hour depending on their specialty and experience. That’s significantly higher than most content writing or copywriting roles.

Do You Need Technical Knowledge to Become a Technical Writer?

This is probably the biggest misconception preventing talented writers from exploring technical writing: the belief that you need to be a technical expert first.

The truth? Research skills often matter more than technical knowledge.

Many successful technical writers start with minimal technical background. What they excel at is asking the right questions, researching thoroughly, and presenting information clearly. Your job isn’t necessarily to know everything about the subject matter – it’s to extract information from those who do and present it in an accessible way.

That said, developing knowledge in particular areas can help you command higher rates and position yourself as a specialist. Popular technical writing specialties include:

• Software documentation
• Medical and healthcare writing
• Financial services documentation
• Engineering documentation
• Information security writing

The beauty is that you can learn as you go. Each project becomes an opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a particular industry or technology.

Essential Skills for Freelance Technical Writers

While you don’t need to be a technical expert to start, certain skills will dramatically improve your success as a technical writer:

Writing and Communication Skills

Clear, Concise Writing: Technical writing values clarity above all. You need to explain complex concepts using simple language without losing accuracy.

Structure and Organization: The ability to logically structure information makes complex subjects digestible.

Audience Awareness: Different documents require different approaches based on who will be reading them.

Technical and Research Skills

Research Proficiency: You’ll need to quickly learn unfamiliar concepts through research and interviews.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Interviewing: The skill of extracting information from experts through effective questioning is invaluable.

Technical Comprehension: You don’t need to know everything, but you should be able to understand technical concepts enough to explain them.

Tools and Software Knowledge

Documentation Tools: Familiarity with tools like MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, or even just advanced features in Microsoft Word.

Content Management Systems: Many companies use specialized systems for their documentation.

Visual Communication Tools: Basic knowledge of tools for creating diagrams, screenshots, or other visual aids.

Professional Skills

Project Management: Managing deadlines, scope, and communication with clients.

Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new subjects, tools, and approaches.

Attention to Detail: Technical writing requires precision and consistency.

How to Become a Technical Writer with No Experience

Breaking into technical writing without experience might seem daunting, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach. Here’s a step-by-step path to get started:

1. Build Foundational Knowledge

Take courses or certifications: Consider courses from the Society for Technical Communication (STC), Technical Writer HQ, or platforms like Udemy and Coursera.

Read technical writing guides: Books like “Technical Writing For Dummies” or “DITA Best Practices” can provide valuable insights.

Study documentation examples: Analyze user manuals, help documents, and other technical content to understand best practices.

2. Create a Starter Portfolio

Without professional experience, you’ll need to demonstrate your abilities through self-directed projects:

Document a process you know well: Write instructions for something you’re familiar with, like setting up a home network or using specific software.

Contribute to open-source projects: Many open-source software projects need documentation help.

Rewrite existing documentation: Find poorly written instructions and improve them (just make it clear these were practice exercises).

3. Start Small and Build Experience

Volunteer for non-profits: Organizations often need help documenting their processes or creating user guides.

Take on small gigs: Look for entry-level technical writing tasks on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to build experience.

Leverage your existing network: Let friends, family, and professional contacts know you’re moving into technical writing.

4. Specialize Gradually

Identify industries that interest you: Focus on sectors where you either have knowledge or are willing to learn deeply.

Target specific document types: Maybe you excel at creating user guides or API documentation.

Learn relevant tools: Mastering tools specific to your chosen specialty will make you more valuable.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. The key is to begin creating samples that showcase your ability to explain complex information clearly and effectively.

Finding Your First Technical Writing Clients

Once you’ve built some basic skills and a starter portfolio, it’s time to find paying clients. Here’s how to approach this crucial step:

Job Boards and Freelance Platforms

Traditional job boards often list technical writing positions, but specialized sites yield better results:

SolidGigs: Our team at SolidGigs sends hand-picked technical writing opportunities directly to your inbox every week, saving you countless hours of searching. As a lead generation tool specifically for freelancers, SolidGigs filters through thousands of jobs to find the best opportunities for technical writers.

WriterAccess: A platform specializing in connecting clients with technical and specialized writers.

ServiceScape: Offers a marketplace for technical writing services, focusing on higher-quality clients.

Specialized Job Boards: Sites like WeWorkRemotely and ProBlogger often feature technical writing positions.

Direct Outreach

Proactive prospecting often leads to the best opportunities:

Identify target companies: Look for businesses that create complex products or services that would need documentation.

Find the right contact: Research who manages documentation or content at these companies.

Craft personalized pitches: Explain how you can specifically help their documentation needs.

Networking

Building relationships can lead to referrals and opportunities:

Join technical writing communities: Groups on LinkedIn, Reddit, and forums like Write the Docs.

Attend industry events: Both technical writing conferences and events in your specialty area.

Connect with other freelancers: Other writers may pass along work that isn’t a good fit for them.

Content Marketing

Demonstrate your expertise to attract clients:

Create a professional website: Showcase your portfolio and expertise.

Share insights on LinkedIn: Write posts about technical communication best practices.

Start a blog: Create content about technical writing or your specialty area.

Pricing Your Technical Writing Services

One of the biggest advantages of technical writing is the higher rates you can command compared to general content writing. However, pricing can be tricky when you’re just starting out.

Pricing Models

Technical writers typically use one of these pricing structures:

Hourly rates: Beginning technical writers might start at $30-50 per hour, while experienced specialists can command $75-150+ per hour.

Per-project pricing: Based on the estimated time and complexity, ranging from a few hundred dollars for simple documentation to thousands for comprehensive manuals.

Per-word rates: Less common in technical writing, but typically ranges from $0.20-0.75 per word (much higher than content writing).

Retainer agreements: Ongoing documentation needs might be structured as monthly retainers, ranging from $2,000-10,000+ depending on scope.

Factors to Consider When Setting Rates

Complexity of the subject matter: More technical or specialized topics warrant higher rates.

Your experience level: As your portfolio grows, gradually increase your rates.

Client budget and size: Enterprise clients typically pay more than startups.

Project scope and timeline: Rush jobs or projects requiring specialized knowledge command premium rates.

Avoiding the Low-Rate Trap

Many new technical writers undervalue their services, but remember:

Technical writing is specialized: Don’t compare your rates to general content writing.

Value-based pricing works: Focus on the problem you’re solving, not just the time it takes.

Start higher than you think: It’s easier to offer a discount than to raise rates later.

Scaling Your Technical Writing Business

Once you’ve established yourself with some initial clients, it’s time to think about growing your business:

Expanding Your Skills and Offerings

Develop adjacent skills: Add services like UX writing, information architecture, or content strategy.

Master specialized tools: Become proficient in tools like DITA, MadCap Flare, or API documentation platforms.

Offer consultation services: Help companies improve their documentation processes.

Building Recurring Revenue

Maintenance contracts: Offer ongoing updates to documentation as products evolve.

Documentation as a Service (DaaS): Provide continuous documentation support on a subscription basis.

Training packages: Combine documentation with training materials or workshops.

Increasing Your Rates Strategically

Regular rate reviews: Assess and increase your rates every 6-12 months.

Value-based conversations: Discuss the impact of your work rather than just the deliverables.

Tiered service offerings: Create different service levels for different client needs and budgets.

Common Challenges for Technical Writers (And How to Overcome Them)

The path to successful technical writing isn’t without obstacles. Here are some common challenges and solutions:

Understanding Complex Subject Matter

The Challenge: Having to write about technical concepts you don’t fully understand.

The Solution: Develop a systematic approach to learning new topics quickly. Ask subject matter experts the right questions, request examples, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

Managing Client Expectations

The Challenge: Clients who don’t understand the technical writing process or timeline.

The Solution: Create clear project scopes, educate clients on your process, and set realistic timelines with buffer room for revisions.

Staying Current with Technology

The Challenge: Technology evolves rapidly, requiring continuous learning.

The Solution: Dedicate time for professional development, join communities for your specialty areas, and follow relevant blogs and publications.

Balancing Accuracy and Readability

The Challenge: Making technical information both accurate and easy to understand.

The Solution: Practice writing for different audiences, get feedback from both experts and beginners, and develop a clear style guide for each project.

Tools and Resources for Technical Writers

The right tools can dramatically improve your efficiency and output quality:

Documentation Tools

• Document Authoring: MadCap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, Oxygen XML Editor
• Help Authoring Tools: RoboHelp, Help+Manual, Dr.Explain
• API Documentation: Swagger, Postman, ReadMe.io

Writing and Editing Tools

• Style Guides: Microsoft Manual of Style, Chicago Manual of Style, Google Developer Documentation Style Guide
• Grammar/Style Checkers: Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, ProWritingAid
• Specialized Editors: Markdown editors like Typora, or LaTex editors for scientific documentation

Visual Communication Tools

• Screenshot Tools: Snagit, Greenshot, Lightshot
• Diagramming Software: Lucidchart, Draw.io, Miro
• Video Tutorial Tools: Camtasia, Screenflow, Loom

Professional Development Resources

• Organizations: Society for Technical Communication (STC), Write the Docs
• Courses: Technical Writer HQ, Udemy technical writing courses, LinkedIn Learning
• Books: “DITA Best Practices,” “Every Page is Page One,” “Technical Writing Process”

The Future of Technical Writing

Technical writing continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for freelancers who stay ahead of trends:

Emerging Areas

API Documentation: As companies build more interconnected systems, clear API docs become essential.

Artificial Intelligence Explanation: Demystifying AI systems and explaining how they make decisions.

Developer Documentation: Supporting the growing developer ecosystem across industries.

Technical UX Writing: Creating interface text for complex software and products.

Changing Formats

Interactive Documentation: Moving beyond static pages to interactive tutorials and guides.

Video Documentation: Creating scripted tutorial videos rather than just written instructions.

Chatbot Content: Developing responses and knowledge bases for support chatbots.

Skills to Develop

Content Strategy: Planning how documentation fits into the overall content ecosystem.

Information Architecture: Structuring complex information for maximum usability.

Technical SEO: Optimizing documentation for searchability both internally and externally.

Final Thoughts: Is Technical Writing Right for You?

Technical writing offers a lucrative and stable career path for freelance writers willing to tackle complex subjects and develop specialized skills. While it requires dedication to learn the craft properly, the barriers to entry are lower than many assume.

The best technical writers aren’t necessarily the most technically advanced—they’re the ones who can translate complexity into clarity. If you enjoy learning new things, solving puzzles, and explaining concepts clearly, technical writing could be an ideal fit.

Start small, build your portfolio strategically, and focus on developing both writing and technical skills in parallel. Use tools like SolidGigs to find quality opportunities without spending hours searching job boards. And remember: in technical writing, your value increases with each project as you develop deeper expertise in specific industries or documentation types.

One more thing...

You didn't start freelancing to spend hours every week searching through job boards. You started freelancing to do more work you enjoy! Here at SolidGigs, we want to help you spend less time hunting and more time doing work you love.

Our team of "Gig Hunters"—together with the power of A.I.—sends you high-quality leads every weekday on autopilot. You can learn more or sign up here. Happy Freelancing!