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How likely am I to be able to pay off my student debt with a degree in English Rhetoric and Technical Writing?

I'm absolutely going to Appalachian State University for English Rhetoric and Technical Writing. Will I be in debt forever with this degree?

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Sherri’s Answer

Hi Cassidy, your question is important because you need to think about how your degree shapes your future career. I believe that Technical Writing gives you many options for building a solid career.

My long-range plan was to become a Forensic Anthropologist. A writing degree was highly recommended before starting the Forensics program. I completed a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and Composition at the University of Arizona. I applied to the Master's program in Forensic Anthropology run by a well known Forensic Pathologist at the university.

My plan was sidetracked when the Forensics program moved to another state. I changed my strategy and started a career in Technical Writing.

My first job as a Technical Writer was at a healthcare company that made software for medical labs. My role involved writing, editing, and publishing instructions for the medical technicians using lab instruments and software.

The experience that I gained in my first job helped me to expand my skills and progress into senior, principal, and management roles in technical writing. As I progressed in my career, I added Project Management Professional (PMP) and Product Support and Scrum Master (PSPO) certifications to my skill set, to manage technical writing and editing projects.

If you are interested in information about expected salary levels in the US, google "Bureau of Labor Statistics" and search for "Technical Writer" on the website. There is also salary information on similar roles such as Editor, Writer, and Media Communication.

If you are interested in professional organizations that promote writing, look into the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and the Society for Advancing Business Writing and Editing (SABWE).

Good luck on your degree!
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Tom’s Answer

You are smart to be thinking about the value of your major beforehand. I would recommend searching several job boards and seeing how much technical writers earn. I see attractive salaries for writers, so that is encouraging. You might consider something other than English Rhetoric, though. Search the same job boards for jobs mentioning that specific skill. I'd encourage you to choose something in business as a focus in combination with technical writing. I have never encountered a need or opportunity where English Rhetoric was a requirement, and if I was hiring for a technical writer, seeing that on a resume wouldn't impress me. I'd be more impressed with skills using Adobe Suite and technical writing education. If you love the discipline, take Rhetoric courses as electives and pursue it as an vocation as opposed to a vocation.
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Afon’s Answer

Hey Cassidy! Your question is interesting and mind blowing. Interesting point of forethought. With a degree in English Rhetoric and Technical Writing, you have a solid chance of paying off your student debt, especially if you pursue a career in technical writing. The median salary is very encouraging which is a step forward.

Salary Ranges for Technical Writers: There is the Entry level which is basic and encouraging, we have Mid-level which is better and we have a lead or management level with is mouth watering and mind blowing.

Keep in mind that salaries vary depending on location, industry, and experience. Cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and New York tend to offer higher salaries. So base on my own opinion I will advise upon graduation u chose where to work diligently.

To increase your chances of paying off your studies debt, consider the following closely:
Gain practical experience through internships or freelance work. Emphasis on this please
Develop specialized skills, such as UX writing, API documentation, or content management systems
Network with professionals in your field such as creating professional account on LinkedIn and any platform of your conscience, connect with professional and be very inquisitive.
Pursue certifications or advanced degrees to boost your earning potential

Remember, your earning potential is influenced by various factors, including your skills, experience, and industry. Focus on building a strong foundation in technical writing, and you'll be well-positioned to manage your student debt.
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Joseph’s Answer

The answer to your question is, "It depends." Your background shows you pay attention to how things are said. If that's true, you might be a great fit as an editor of technical documents. You can focus on making sure the language is clear and concise for the audience, whether they are end users, system administrators, or software developers. To earn more as a technical writer, you need to communicate well with subject matter experts and product managers. You must understand the technology to translate it into terms the audience can grasp. In my 45 years as a technical writer in Silicon Valley, I earned as much as engineers because I could explain complex information clearly and simply for different audiences.
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