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Associate Technical Writer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Technical Writer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities. The perks of ... Technical writing at NDS has changed. AI generates content. This role shapes, validates, and ...

For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities. The perks of ... Technical writing at NDS has changed. AI generates content. This role shapes, validates, and ...

... technical writing and requires strong communication skills to support customers, internal teams ... Train Service Associates on new and/or revised service processes, equipment, and documentation.

Associate Advisor

Middleton, WI · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Completing planning projects and simpler client cases independently while developing technical ... Excellent verbal and written communication skills. * Strong interpersonal skills with the ability ...

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Associate Technical Writer information

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$13

$39

$66

How much do associate technical writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate technical writer in Madison, WI is $39.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.09 and $47.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Associate Technical Writers?

Associate Technical Writers are entry-level professionals who create and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals, how-to guides, and product instructions. They work closely with subject matter experts to understand complex information and present it in a clear, accessible way for end users. Typically, they are responsible for drafting, formatting, and updating documentation under the guidance of senior technical writers. This role often serves as a starting point for a career in technical writing, offering opportunities to gain experience with various writing tools and documentation standards.

Are technical writers still in demand?

Technical writers remain in demand across various industries such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, as companies need clear documentation for products and services. The role often requires skills in tools like Markdown, XML, or Adobe FrameMaker, and a strong understanding of technical concepts. Demand is expected to grow with increasing complexity of products and digital content.

What is an associate technical writer?

An associate technical writer is an entry-level professional responsible for creating, editing, and maintaining technical documentation such as user manuals, guides, and instructions. They often work under supervision, utilize tools like Microsoft Word or Markdown, and may have a background in technical communication, engineering, or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Technical Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Technical Writer, you need strong writing, editing, and research skills, typically supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with documentation tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, and content management systems is often required, along with a basic understanding of technical concepts. Attention to detail, adaptability, and clear communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with subject matter experts and delivering user-friendly documentation. These skills ensure technical information is accurately conveyed, easily understood, and effectively supports end users and organizational goals.

What is the difference between Associate Technical Writer vs Technical Writer?

AspectAssociate Technical WriterTechnical Writer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in English, Communications, or related field; some certificationsBachelor's degree often required; certifications like STC are a plus
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, collaborative teams, often in tech or engineering firmsMore experienced, independent projects, broader industry applications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, software, engineering sectors for entry rolesUsed across industries for professional documentation and manuals

The Associate Technical Writer typically holds an entry-level position with foundational skills, focusing on learning and supporting documentation tasks. The Technical Writer is more experienced, handling complex documentation independently. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in tech and engineering industries, but the Technical Writer usually has more responsibility and expertise.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Technical Writers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Associate Technical Writers often face challenges such as understanding complex technical concepts, adapting to different documentation tools, and aligning with the preferred style guidelines of their organization. To overcome these, it's helpful to proactively seek clarification from subject matter experts, participate in internal training on tools and processes, and regularly review existing documentation for style reference. Building strong communication skills and being open to feedback are key to growing and succeeding in this role.

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

Associate Technical Writers typically do not earn $400,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles like senior software engineers, data scientists, or product managers with extensive experience and advanced skills. High-paying tech roles often require advanced certifications, expertise in specific tools, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation at this level is usually found in senior or executive positions within technology companies.

How do I become a technical writer with no experience?

To become an associate technical writer with no experience, focus on developing strong writing skills, learn technical concepts related to your target industry, and familiarize yourself with tools like Markdown or Adobe FrameMaker. Building a portfolio with sample documentation or tutorials can also demonstrate your abilities to employers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Writer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Technical Writer jobs in Madison, WI are:
Infographic showing various Associate Technical Writer job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Technical Writer

Technical Writer

Nelnet, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Nelnet rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 148 rated financial services


Job description

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.
The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.
Technical writing at NDS has changed. AI generates content. This role shapes, validates, and structures it.
As an IT Technical Writer, you will translate complex technical information into accurate, structured, and usable documentation for internal and external audiences. You will support multiple NDS delivery teams, context-switching across domains without losing consistency or quality. You have hands-on experience with AI tools and a genuine willingness to deepen that fluency as part of your daily workflow. The human value you bring is judgment: knowing when AI-generated content is wrong, incomplete, or structured for the wrong reader - and fixing it.
Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment that accommodates both in-office and remote work. This model promotes a positive work-life balance and culture, enabling in-person collaboration when possible while also providing benefits associated with remote work. The standard hybrid work schedule includes 24 hours of in-office work each week, for associates that reside within 30 miles of an office. This is subject to change, based on manager discretion.
Colorado Candidates: Pay range for this role is $70,000-$80,000
  • Create, update, and revise required system documentation, user guides, and other necessary documentation for internal and external audiences.
  • Research system features and functions by interviewing subject matter experts, reviewing AI-generated drafts, and working with early versions of software and data.
  • Provide clear and concise verbal and written communication tailored to the appropriate audience - technical and non-technical.
  • Work with stakeholders, Product Owners, and other writers to evolve the documentation backlog around the goals and objectives of the documentation strategy, including AI-assisted content workflows and content lifecycle management.
  • Possess and continually build business acumen including the operational areas and technical systems Nelnet currently uses.
  • Analyze and identify audience needs and meet or exceed those needs through user-targeted documentation
  • Maintain and evolve AI-assisted documentation workflows - including prompt templates, review standards, and content structure - so that documentation is usable by both human readers and AI systems that consume it downstream.
  • Own the development, execution, and maintenance of a consistent Knowledge Management process for IT Delivery.

Education
Bachelor's Degree and/or commensurate experience.
Required Experience
  • 3 to 5 years of experience as a Technical Writer, Business Analyst, Quality Analyst, or detailed working knowledge of several system functions.
  • Hands-on experience with AI writing or content tools used in a professional setting.
  • Experience working in a collaborative, team-based development environment.
  • Basic familiarity with Agile methodologies and software development lifecycle.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Working knowledge of GitLab for version control and documentation workflows.
  • Proficiency in Markdown.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience with Atlassian products (Confluence, Jira).
  • Experience with AI workflows specifically applied to technical writing or content production.
  • Experience with API documentation or web development.

Competencies - Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
  • Curious and self-motivated to dig in and fully understand system functionality and business processes.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.
  • Strong consensus building, multi-tasking, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work with technical and operational teams, as well as clients.
  • Actively contributes to a collaborative team environment - shares knowledge, supports peers, and communicates openly.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance.

This position requires work in support of the Company's contract with the United States Department of Education ("ED"). As such, the United States Government requires that any applicant for this position must complete United States Government security clearance. Effective June 1, 2018, ED has informed Nelnet that security clearance applications for foreign nationals are not being accepted or processed. In light of this direction from ED, Nelnet will be unable to hire applicants without United States citizenship for such positions.
Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK.
Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.
Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.
Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring
We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring

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About Nelnet

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lincoln, NE, US

Year founded

2003