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Contract Technical Writer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NEOSTEK Inc.

Technical Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Due to the nature of this government contract, U.S. Citizenship is required. Must be able to obtain a Public Trust. NEOSTEK, Inc. is seeking a skilled Technical Writer (TW) to support a records and ...

FLASH Technology Group

Technical Writer

Laurel, MD

$85K - $100K/yr

Technical Writer II! Active TS/SCI with Polygraph required Must be a US citizen Description ... The Tech Writer will join a worldwide engineering, operations, and tech refresh contract supporting ...

mitiweb

Technical Writer

Rockville, MD

$60/hr

The County would prefer a resource that is local to the DC Metro Area. 4) Contract staff will ... Demonstrated experience and knowledge in technical document writing projects, 5+ Years.

LufCo

Technical Writer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

... and contracts of similar scope • Demonstratable understanding of basic concepts (to include basic grammar concepts), responsible for writing technical copy for various types of documents • ...

Leidos

Technical Writer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

At least 5 years of technical writing experience preparing software and engineering-related documents, reports, user manuals, installation guides, training materials, Contract Data Requirements List ...

Peraton

Technical Writer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Eight (8) years of experience as a Technical Writer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline from an accredited ...

Gromelski & Associates

Technical Writer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Technical Writer Gromelski and Associates, Inc. (GAI) partners with prime contractors to provide ... Contract Terms: 40 hours/week, onsite Start Date: Immediate Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 ...

Leidos

Technical Writer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

At least 5 years of technical writing experience preparing software and engineering-related documents, reports, user manuals, installation guides, training materials, Contract Data Requirements List ...

Peraton

Technical Writer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Eight (8) years of experience as a Technical Writer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline from an accredited ...

LufCo

Technical Writer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$80K - $135K/yr

Six (6) years of experience in Technical Writing or projects and contracts of similar scope Skills: * Demonstratable understanding of basic concepts (to include basic grammar concepts), responsible ...

Themis Insight

Technical Writer

Laurel, MD · On-site

The Technical Writer will join a worldwide engineering, operations, and tech refresh contract supporting Enterprise IT (EIT) capabilities and functions for our Intelligence Community (IC) customer.

Ask IT consulting

Technical Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

Technical Writer Location: 445 12th Street SW, Washington, D.C. Duration: 12 Months General ... developing the contract deliverables in accordance with the contract. The contractor shall ...

LufCo

Technical Writer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$80K - $135K/yr

Six (6) years of experience in Technical Writing or projects and contracts of similar scope Skills: * Demonstratable understanding of basic concepts (to include basic grammar concepts), responsible ...

Flash Technology Group

Technical Writer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

The Tech Writer will join a worldwide engineering, operations, and tech refresh contract supporting ... technical ideas in simple language. • Work with customers to translate their functional ...

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All JobsContract Technical Writer JobsContract Technical Writer Jobs in Washington

Contract Technical Writer information

See Washington salary details

$112.7K

$124.6K

$134.2K

How much do contract technical writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract technical writer in Washington is $124,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,900.00 and $130,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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.

How much does a freelance technical writer make?

Freelance technical writers typically earn between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Many also charge per project or word, with rates varying based on industry and technical expertise. Experienced writers with specialized skills in tools like Markdown or DITA can command higher rates.

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. Demand is driven by technology growth, regulatory requirements, and the need for updated user manuals, often requiring proficiency with tools like Markdown or XML. Opportunities are available across various industries, including software, manufacturing, and healthcare, with remote work options increasing flexibility for contract roles.

Is a contract technical writer a high paying job?

Contract technical writers can earn competitive pay, often based on their experience, technical skills, and the complexity of the documentation. Rates for contract work typically range from hourly to project-based fees and can be higher than salaried positions, especially for specialized industries or advanced tools like DITA or FrameMaker.
More about Contract Technical Writer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Contract Technical Writer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Technical Writer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Technical Writer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Contract Technical Writer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Technical Writer jobs in WA? For Contract Technical Writer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Contract Technical Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Technical Writer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,585 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Contracts Manager/Technical Writer

Samincorp

College Park, MD

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Decription: Pre-award planning and Proposal Preparation. Experience in analyzing RFPs analysis in order to identify business risks. Analysis of terms and conditions, especially award term, CPAF, CPIF, FFP and Seaport-e special terms.

Develop pricing/cost proposals for proposal submissions to the government Have in-depth knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other agency supplements to FAR, especially Navy and GSA. Prepare teaming agreements and nondisclosure agreements, both for SAM Inc. as team leader and as a participant in other teams.

Experience in working with small companies is a plus including 8(a), HUBZone and EDWOSB Prime contract management. Manage SAM Inc's compliance with contractual / business /administrative requirements of prime contracts. Set up prime contract files (hard copy and electronic).

Work with financial / accounting staff to produce compliant monthly financial reports. Resolve invoice issues with government offices (DFAS, DCAA) Prime contract closeouts Subcontract Administration Prepare and issue RFPs to subcontractors. Analyze quotes and proposals.

Establish and maintain subcontract files (hard copy and electronic) Prepare and issue subcontracts including IDIQ subcontracts and associated task orders, stand-alone conventional FFP, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, CPIF, and Award Term type subcontracts. Proactively identify and resolve subcontract performance issues in coordination with SAM, Inc. Program Manager and financial / business staff.

Required Skills: In depth knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements to FAR. Ability to analyze and apply procurement regulations and contract terms to achieve effective results for SAM, Inc. Professional level negotiation skills.

Computer literacy - Microsoft products, Internet applications, e-file organization and manipulation. Flexible attitude. College degree.

Minimum 8 years experience.

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