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.
Re: hot tech writing mkt -- salaries skyrocketing?
Subject:Re: hot tech writing mkt -- salaries skyrocketing? From:"Susan W. Gallagher" <sgallagher -at- EXPERSOFT -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 1 Oct 1996 17:36:49 -0700
At 05:18 PM 10/1/96 -0700, Susan Gallagher wrote:
>We're trying to recruit tech writers right now. Not only are we having a
>hard time getting people in the door (we're in CA -- East Bay), but those
>coming in with 3+ experience are demanding at least 70K. Many want at least
>75K. Perhaps it's networking writers in particular -- not sure.
>I'm not unwilling to pay this, however, it seems like tech writers are
>pulling the Mazda Miatta gig -- sell at whatever the buyer will pay. And
>pay they will right now -- I've discovered that tech writer openings are a
>dime a dozen.
>Are other tech pubs mgrs experiencing this?
>Susan
>Susan Gallagher Manager, Technical Publications
>susan -at- livingston -dot- com Livingston Enterprises Inc.
>http://www.livingston.com/
Hi Susan!
(Yes, there really *are* two of us! Bwwaaahahahahahahah!) ;-)
I've been trying to fill an open position since May and have finally
made an offer I think will be accepted -- and although we don't quite
pay Bay-area wages, we're pretty near the top of the heap for San
Diego. And I had to promote the personnel req. from intermediate to
senior if I was to have a prayer of hiring somebody.
Not networking -- we're extensions to OO languages -- but I think
it's the *high* in high-tech that's the discouraging part. Many
of the writers I've talked to think the job is just too technical,
would rather work in a GUI environment, talk to an end-user
audience, etc.
And yup, positions are plentiful so writers can name their price
and expect to get it.
Pulling a Mazda Miatta, huh? I'll have to remember that one!
-Sue
Susan W. Gallagher Manager, Technical Publications
sgallagher -at- expersoft -dot- com Expersoft Corporation http://www.expersoft.com
