Career comparison
Editor vs. Technical Writer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Technical writers earn more at the median ($90,390 vs. $77,920), while editors usually get to work faster (Writing experience plus on-the-job learning of training). Editors plan, review and improve writing for publications, websites and books. Technical writers explain complex products and processes in clear, usable documentation.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Editor | Technical Writer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $77,920 ($37.46/hr) | $90,390 ($43.46/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $41,250 – $153,700 | $57,440 – $145,270 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -1.1% (a projected decline) | +0.8% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 7,900 | 3,200 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | Writing experience plus on-the-job learning | 4 years or technical background plus writing training |
| Key credential | Editing certificate | Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) |
| Work setting | Editors work in offices and remotely.. | Technical writers work in offices or remotely, mostly at computers.. |
What each job does
Editor
- Plan content
- Assign stories
- Edit copy
- Fact-check
- Write headlines
Technical Writer
- Interview subject matter experts
- Test products and procedures
- Write manuals, guides and help content
- Create API and developer documentation
- Edit and update documents
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, desk work, remote-friendly work, and working independently. Both are part of the arts, media & design field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose editor if…
- I love words
- I catch mistakes
- I give tactful feedback
Choose technical writer if…
- I explain things clearly
- I enjoy learning technology
- I like writing
Still torn? Take the Editor fit quiz and the Technical Writer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, editor or technical writer?
Technical Writers earn more at the median: $90,390 versus $77,920 for editors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Editors typically train faster (Writing experience plus on-the-job learning) than technical writers (4 years or technical background plus writing training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects technical writers to grow +0.8% from 2025–35, compared with -1.1% for editors.