In December, I looked at the daily rates for technical writers and others in the tech comms industry. At the time daily rates for technical writers are down to $30 per hour in some places in the Bay Area.
However, maybe things are starting to turn around. In Ireland (Euro HQ for most US IT companies) Google has announced 150 new jobs, many in technical roles. So, is the tide starting to turn?
Articles in Tech Comms publications and on other technical writing sites suggested that daily rates for technical writers were collapsing in the US, in particular the West coast, as more writers struggle to find roles that match their previous salaries. TECHWR-L (tech-whirl), the oldest site that I know for technical writers, highlighted the case of a technical writer who’s been in the industry for 10 years and been jog-hunting for six months.
When asked what he thought where the tech docs industry was heading, his reply was, “it’s a race to the bottom”. 12 months ago, he left a high-paying tech writing job to travel but returned six months later, and looked for work.
Daily Rates for Technical Writing in California
His only job offer had been $30 an hour. Some recruitment sites quoted $40-$60 an hour. Quite a drop!
I know that when I last worked in the states, late 90s, the rates were $40-$60 per hour, and that’s almost 10 years ago. It’s hard to believe that now, ten years later, and factoring in inflation etc, daily rates are almost cut in half.
Salary for Technical Writing in China
Salary for technical writers in China is between 15-30k RMB per month, which is approx $2.5k.
Not great by US standards but the cost of living here is much less.
Daily Rates for Technical Writing in India
According to a tech writer in Bangalore, the going rate in India is $10-15 an hour. http://www.techwr-l.com/node/1205
Jobs Trends
Many US colleagues have seen their jobs moved to India. In Europe (Ireland and UK) they tend to go to Poland as they have excellent English skills (yes, they do!) and lower tax rates.
India now produces a steady stream of qualified tech writers who are highly motivated and keen to make the most of this opportunity.
Last year I said that, “as someone who works in Asia, and is seeing at first hand the juggernaut that is hurdling down the motorway, the race to outsource has only started.”
In the next 10-15 years, IT jobs which can be replicated offshore/offsite to lower costs will be embraced more aggressively. US companies have little choice but to do this.
The challenge for technical writers
The question for technical writers and others in this industry is how to approach this. One suggestion would be to setup consultancy services in places like Bangalore, Vietnam, and Poland where the talent is there but the experience is lacking. Experienced technical writers, who are willing to travel and embrace a new challenge, could do very well in these countries. Staying at home may not be an option.
What do you think?
Should technical writers consider moving to places like India? Do you see signs that the recession is over. Are there more jobs for tech writers than last year?
