Devoted to technical writing and technical writers

Mark, at the Semicolon blog, writes that he sees 3 discrete technical communication jobs: Technical Writer, Technical Editor, Documentation Manager. I'm going to add a few to his list in a moment.

Mark also mentions that the technical writer and technical editor paths can blend when he writes:

"There's so much overlap between a technical writer and editor that the lines are very blurry. Ideally the TE assumes the standard editing functions such as ensuring clear and consistent style, visually, grammatically, mechanically, and substantively. Ideally (again), one can only become a TE after they have spent years as a TW. Only by gaining enough writing experience, would one be at the point where he or she can edit with authority."

I'm certain that this reflects Mark's experience, but I have to toss out an alternate viewpoint. In my experience, many technical editing jobs are not filled by technical writers. The managers hunting for a technical editor are frequently looking for specific editing experience and a deep knowledge of Chicago and AP manuals of style, and frequently the Microsoft Technical Style Manual (MSTP) as well.

As for job roles that a technical writer might pursue, individual writers might consider moving into Instructional Design (a high-growth field right now) and Content Developer. Both of these pay better than a standard technical writer's gig, so ambitious professionals might want to explore those fields.