Career comparison
Software Developer vs. Technical Writer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Software developers earn more at the median ($135,980 vs. $90,390), while software developers usually get to work faster (4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio of training). Software developers design, build and improve the apps and systems people use every day. 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
| Software Developer | Technical Writer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $135,980 ($65.38/hr) | $90,390 ($43.46/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $82,460 – $214,670 | $57,440 – $145,270 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +10.2% (much faster than average) | +0.8% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 95,300 | 3,200 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio | 4 years or technical background plus writing training |
| Key credential | AWS Certified Developer – Associate | Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) |
| Work setting | Developers work in offices or remotely, mostly at computers, collaborating through chat, video and code review tools.. | Technical writers work in offices or remotely, mostly at computers.. |
What each job does
Software Developer
- Gather requirements and design software features
- Write clean, maintainable code
- Write and run automated tests
- Debug and fix defects
- Review code and collaborate in version control
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 working with information, desk work, working independently, and remote-friendly work. They sit in different fields, technology and arts, media & design, but share transferable skills such as problem solving and clarity.
Which should you choose?
Choose software developer if…
- I love solving puzzles
- I enjoy building things with code
- I can focus for long periods
Choose technical writer if…
- I explain things clearly
- I enjoy learning technology
- I like writing
Still torn? Take the Software Developer fit quiz and the Technical Writer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, software developer or technical writer?
Software Developers earn more at the median: $135,980 versus $90,390 for technical writers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Software Developers typically train faster (4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio) than technical writers (4 years or technical background plus writing training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects software developers to grow +10.2% from 2025–35, compared with +0.8% for technical writers.