TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Jon Leer wrote:
> How much does a senior technical writer cost throughout the world in US
> dollars?...
> Any idea? I want to know what US writers are competing against.
We're still competing against each other, but for a smaller pie.
The challenge for US tech writers is not that you are competing head-to-head
against offshore TWs. That comparison isn't even entering into the business
calculation. The challenge is that entire IT projects are moving offshore,
which leaves US tech writers to compete for spots in fewer projects. The
frustrating thing is that your skills don't matter, because they aren't
being evaluated in this process.
That's not to say that you shouldn't always improve your skills. To survive
you will need top skills plus a clever business approach.
