20 Occupations Where Writing Plays A Major Role

by Michael Davis

Friday, November 20, 2015

Writing, which involves communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience, is a skill that belongs to a group known as content. Content is a set of skills that describes background structures needed to work with and acquire more specific skills in a variety of different domains. Other skills that belong in this group are

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Mathematics
Science

The occupations where writing play a major role are listed below.

Physicists
Physicists conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, active listening, complex problem solving, critical thinking, instructing, judgment and decision making, learning strategies, mathematics, reading comprehension, science and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $106,370 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 15.89%

Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates
Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. They may also sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. They may also determine liability of defendant in civil cases. They may also perform wedding ceremonies. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, active listening, complex problem solving, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, reading comprehension and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $119,270

Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers
Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active listening, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, reading comprehension and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $85,500 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 8.04%

Technical writers
Technical writers write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. They may also assist in layout work. The other skill that is considered important for this occupation is reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $63,280 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 18.18%

Biochemists and biophysicists
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. They may also conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. They may also determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, critical thinking, learning strategies and reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $79,390 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 37.42%

Historians
Historians research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters. The other skill that is considered important for this occupation is reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $53,520 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 11.46%

Editors
Editors plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. They may also review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors. The other skill that is considered important for this occupation is reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $51,470

Astronomers
Astronomers observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, mathematics, reading comprehension, science and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $87,260 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 16.03%

Sociologists
Sociologists study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. They may also study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active listening, reading comprehension and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $72,360 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 21.9%

Environmental scientists and specialists
Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, active listening, complex problem solving, reading comprehension, science and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $61,700 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 27.86%

Reporters and correspondents
Reporters and correspondents collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television. The other skill that is considered important for this occupation is speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $34,530

Geographers
Geographers study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global. The other skill that is considered important for this occupation is reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $72,800 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 26.24%

Industrial-organizational psychologists
Industrial-organizational psychologists apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training and development; and organizational development and analysis. They may also work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active listening, critical thinking, monitoring, reading comprehension and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $87,330 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 26.26%

Lawyers
Lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. They may also specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active listening, critical thinking, persuasion, reading comprehension and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $112,760 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 12.98%

Microbiologists
Microbiologists investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, reading comprehension and science.
Median Annual Salary: $65,920 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 12.18%

Medical scientists
Medical scientists conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, complex problem solving, critical thinking, instructing, reading comprehension and science.
Median Annual Salary: $76,700 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 40.36%

Curators
Curators administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. They may also conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution. The other skill that is considered important for this occupation is reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $48,450 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 22.98%

Dietitians and nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. They may also supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include reading comprehension and social perceptiveness.
Median Annual Salary: $53,250 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 9.24%

Political scientists
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They may also study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. They may also analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. They may also conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active listening, critical thinking, reading comprehension and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $107,420 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 19.49%

Clergy
Clergy conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active listening, learning strategies, persuasion, reading comprehension, service orientation, social perceptiveness and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $43,970 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 12.69%