OK, so you've breezed through college and have a shiny degree hanging on your wall. Before lining up that first job interview, you'll want to do a bit of research regarding rates of pay for technical writers in your area. That way you can answer confidently when the interviewing manager ask what your salary requirements are.
Because rates of pay differ so greatly from state to state, I'll offer some resources that may be helpful.
The Society for Technical Communication produces salary surveys. They are a great place to start your research. (If you aren't a member already, you should definitely consider joining the STC.)
The Occupational Outlook Handbook produced by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides salary information, as well as a broad perspective of what it's like to work in the field.
Don't forget to search job boards. By comparing the salaries posted for jobs in your area, you can get an idea of the average pay rate. Just be on the watch for postings where the company clearly has no understanding of the type of work technical writers do. Also, many job postings will exclude such information and say "based on experience" or something similar.
Talk to others in the field. Chances are you'll get at least a general idea of how well they are paid, especially if you explain your reason for asking. Most veterans will feel comfortable helping you estimate a starting salary, or at least pointing you to some valuable resources.
Also, you'll likely find your campus career office and department advisors helpful in gathering rates of pay. They often have extensive professional contacts, including past students now working in the field, and can use such resources to provide you with the information you need.
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