How the technical writing profession betrayed entry-level tech writers
A quick search on any job board will reveal something peculiar: nearly every technical writing role demands three to five years of experience. Some even ask for ten. For a profession that once embraced curious, adaptable newcomers, technical writing seems to have built an unscalable wall around itself.
So, where does that leave aspiring writers hoping to break into the field? What happened to this once-accessible profession? Let’s talk about how the technical writing industry, intentionally or not, turned its back on entry-level professionals — and why this is a problem for everyone.
The decline of entry-level opportunities
Once upon a time, technical writing was seen as a career you could grow into. You didn’t need a computer science degree or years of experience in enterprise software. Employers sought strong communicators who could learn complex concepts and translate them for others.
But somewhere along the way, the bar got higher. Companies now expect technical writers to hit the ground running with advanced tools, domain-specific knowledge, and pre-existing industry expertise. The “entry-level” technical writing job is quietly leaving, replaced by roles demanding skills that only seasoned professionals would have.
What caused this shift? A few culprits stand out:
The rise of specialization.
Technology is more complex than ever, and documentation reflects that. Today’s technical writers are often embedded in niche industries, from cloud computing to medical devices. Companies want writers who already understand their domain inside and out — leaving little room for beginners to learn on the job.
- The gigification of tech writing.
With the rise of freelancing and contract work, many companies now outsource documentation to independent professionals. Instead of training entry-level writers in-house, they hire contractors who can deliver polished work on tight timelines. - Shrinking resources.
Documentation teams are often seen as cost centers, not revenue drivers. Many companies keep their writing teams lean, making it harder to justify mentoring junior writers when senior ones can (theoretically) do the work faster.
The Catch-22 for aspiring writers
For newcomers, the barriers are obvious: You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. Bootcamps, certifications, and portfolio-building projects can help, but they’re no substitute for real-world work.
This creates a vicious cycle that disproportionately hurts aspiring technical writers from nontraditional backgrounds. Candidates without tech industry connections or the financial means to invest in unpaid internships or expensive training are often left out.
And it’s not just aspiring writers who lose out — this talent bottleneck hurts the industry, too.
Why the profession needs entry-level writers
The technical writing profession thrives on fresh perspectives. Entry-level writers bring enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to ask “dumb” questions — questions that often reveal gaps in documentation. Without them, teams risk becoming echo chambers, where assumptions go unchecked and user needs are overlooked.
Moreover, the lack of a clear entry path makes the profession less accessible, contributing to a lack of diversity in tech writing teams. If technical writing is to remain relevant in an industry that values innovation and inclusion, it needs to welcome new voices.
What companies (and the industry) can do better
Fixing this problem won’t happen overnight, but there are steps companies and the broader industry can take to rebuild the pipeline for entry-level talent:
- Reintroduce mentorship programs.
Companies can pair senior writers with juniors to share knowledge and help newcomers build confidence. - Redefine “entry-level” roles.
Stop asking for years of experience in entry-level job postings. Focus instead on transferable skills like writing, research, and adaptability. - Create apprenticeships or internships.
Paid opportunities to learn on the job can give aspiring writers the experience they need to land full-time roles. - Invest in training.
Documentation teams should have budgets for upskilling new hires — not just hiring pre-trained professionals.
A call to action for technical writers
If you’re an experienced technical writer, you have a role to play, too. Advocate for junior roles on your team. Offer to mentor someone trying to break into the field. Share your journey and tips online to demystify the profession for others.
For the profession to thrive, we need to stop gatekeeping and start empowering the next generation. Let’s remember what makes technical writing valuable: its ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that anyone can understand. To truly live up to that ideal, we need to ensure the profession itself is accessible, too.
Building a better future for tech writing
Technical writing is a vital, rewarding career. But for too long, the profession has betrayed those trying to enter it, shutting them out with unrealistic expectations and limited pathways. It’s time for a reset.
If you’re an aspiring technical writer, don’t lose hope. Build your skills, network, and advocate for yourself — but also hold the industry accountable. For experienced professionals, consider this your challenge: How can you make technical writing more inclusive and accessible?
The future of this field depends on all of us.
What do you think? Have you faced challenges breaking into technical writing, or do you have ideas to make the field more welcoming? Let’s discuss below.
Will Kelly is a writer, content strategist, and keen observer of the IT industry. Medium is home to his personal writing projects. His professional interests include generative AI, cloud computing, DevOps, and collaboration tools. He has written for startups, Fortune 1000 firms, and leading industry publications, including CIO and TechTarget. Follow him on X: @willkelly. You can also follow him on BlueSky: willkelly.bsky.social.