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Contract Technical Writer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Technical Writer

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$75 - $110/hr

* Develop, write, and edit comprehensive engineering specifications, user manuals, reports, briefings ... contract requirements * Gather and interpret complex technical information for technical and non ...

Technical Writer SME

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Sev1Tech is seeking a Technical Writer Subject Matter Expert to support the US Space Force, Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Delta 8. ...

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Sev1Tech is seeking a Technical Writer Subject Matter Expert to support the US Space Force, Space Operations ...

Technical Writer SME

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Sev1Tech is seeking a Technical Writer Subject Matter Expert to support the US Space Force, Space Operations ...

Technical Writer SME

Colorado Springs, CO ยท On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Sev1Tech is seeking a Technical Writer Subject Matter Expert to support the US Space Force, Space Operations ...

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Contract Technical Writer information

See Colorado salary details

$104.6K

$115.7K

$124.6K

How much do contract technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writer in Colorado is $115,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,400.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract technical writer?

Contract technical writers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to create, edit, and manage technical documentation for organizations. They often work independently or through staffing agencies, producing materials such as user manuals, guides, software documentation, and standard operating procedures. Unlike full-time employees, contract technical writers typically work for a set period or until the completion of specific projects, offering flexibility for both the writer and the employer. Their expertise helps businesses clearly communicate complex information to users, clients, or internal teams.

What does a contract technical writer do?

Contract technical writers compose journal articles, instruction manuals, textbooks, and other documents with complex, technical information that needs to be explained in an easy-to-understand way. Unlike staff writers, contract technical writers are freelancers that work on a short- or long-term contract basis. In this role, you determine the scope of each writing project from your client, then collaborate with product designers and developers to understand what you are writing about. Once you gather the required information, you write and organize the document based on your target audience, adding photographs, drawings, charts, and diagrams as needed. Your documents are proofread and edited before they are published.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract technical writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Technical Writer, you need strong writing, editing, and research skills, usually supported by a relevant degree or experience in technical communication. Familiarity with documentation tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, and content management systems is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, time management, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the creation of accurate, user-friendly documentation that meets project deadlines and client expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by contract technical writers, and how can they be managed?

Contract technical writers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new industries or technologies, working with limited project background, and managing communication with multiple stakeholders. To navigate these, it's important to ask targeted questions early, establish clear project expectations, and utilize available documentation and subject matter experts efficiently. Strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential to delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines commonly found in contract roles.

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

AspectContract Technical WriterTechnical Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in English, Communications, or related field; certifications like STC are a plusSame as Contract Technical Writer, often with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often remote or on-site for specific clientsFull-time employment, may be remote or in-office
Employer & IndustryFreelance or consulting firms, tech companies, manufacturingCorporations, publishers, tech firms, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for project-based or freelance rolesTypically sought as full-time positions

The main difference between a Contract Technical Writer and a Technical Writer lies in employment type and work setup. Contract Technical Writers work on a project basis, often freelance or temporary, while Technical Writers are usually full-time employees. Both roles require similar skills, credentials, and industry experience, but their work arrangements differ significantly.

Are contract technical writers still in demand?

Contract technical writers are still in demand as companies seek skilled professionals to create clear documentation for products and services. The role often requires proficiency with tools like Markdown or XML and the ability to adapt to various industries, making it a flexible and valuable position in technical communication.

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Writer jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Technical Writer jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Contract Technical Writer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Contract Technical Writer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writer jobs in CO?

For Contract Technical Writer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,666 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Technical Writer

Colorado Springs, CO โ€ข On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

  • Develop, write, and edit comprehensive engineering specifications, user manuals, reports, briefings, presentations, guidelines, and other project deliverables to meet contract requirements
  • Gather and interpret complex technical information for technical and non-technical audiences
  • Create and edit Air Force Technical Orders, Time Compliance Technical Orders, Contractor Furnished Equipment Notices, and other documentation in compliance with contract or project requirements
  • Ensure proper application of applicable government standards including MIL-STD-38784, MIL-DTL-38807, MIL-DTL-38804, MIL-PRF-32216, and other relevant guidelines to all documents
  • Review technical documentation created by peers to ensure all information is incorporated correctly and all standards are followed
Requirements
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in related field and 2+ yearsโ€™ experience
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Familiarity with TO 00-5-1, TO 00-5-3, and TO 00-5-15
  • Experience using PDF editing software such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or PDF-Xchange
  • Experience with document processing software, including Adobe FrameMaker
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing and editing technical documentation, ensuring compliance with government standards and contract requirements. Proficient in gathering and interpreting complex technical information for diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Technical Documentation Development
  • Government Standards Compliance
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Adobe FrameMaker
ATS Optimization Keywords Hard Skills
  • Engineering Specifications
  • User Manuals
  • Technical Reports
  • Technical Orders
  • Document Review
Soft Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Attention to Detail
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree
  • Active Secret Clearance
Industry Keywords
  • MIL-STD-38784
  • MIL-DTL-38807
  • MIL-DTL-38804
  • MIL-PRF-32216
  • TO 00-5-1
  • TO 00-5-3
  • TO 00-5-15
Tools & Technologies
  • PDF Editing Software
  • Document Processing Software
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