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Business Writer, Documentation Manager, Documentation Specialist, Specifications Writer, Technical Communicator, Technical Manual Writer, Technical Writer, Usability Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
Technical writers produce information for audiences ranging from novices to technical experts. To create an effective product, technical writers need to clarify its purpose and identify the audience that will consume it. Their work explains the installation, operation, and maintenance of:
They write:
Technical writers research the subjects they write about by consulting subject matter experts (SMEs). They interview SMEs to understand how to explain complex ideas or topics. Other ways to research their subjects include:
When producing their work, technical writers:
Depending on the work, technical writers may need to:
When managing their work, technical writers:
Technical writers may also develop a style guide outlining details including:
This helps to ensure that each document has a consistent appearance that supports readability. It also provides anyone who adds to the document with a guide to ensure continued consistency.
Technical writers may work full time, part time, or on a contract basis. They may work independently or as part of a team. The team may include:
Technical writers who work for mid-sized or large organizations often work standard office hours. Overtime is sometimes required to meet deadlines.
Contract writers working from home often work office hours as well. This allows them to attend online meetings and consultations with clients. They may need to work for long hours to complete projects on time. Many employers require contract writers to work in offices during normal business hours.
Meeting deadlines can be stressful.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to write manuals, user guides and other documents; may assist in the preparation and layout of publications
Interest in instructing to explain the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical and other equipment
Interest in understanding the operation and functioning of software and equipment to prepare and write manuals, user guides and other documents
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Technical writers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 19 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 19, 2021 and Nov 27, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 9 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 8 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 8 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 8 |
| Computer Applications: MS Word | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 7 |
| Health benefits: Vision care benefits | 7 |
There are no standard education requirements for technical writers. In general, they need to be strong writers with excellent grammar. They need to understand:
Technical writers also need:
Most employers prefer to hire writers with related post-secondary education or experience. However, the work writers have produced in previous jobs can be confidential. This makes it difficult for technical writers to show potential employers samples of their work.
Practical writing and design layout experience are assets. Technical writers may gain this experience through part-time or entry-level positions with corporate communications departments, publishing companies, or by doing web and mobile development work.
Volunteer work may provide opportunities to gain experience and build portfolios.
Technical writers must keep up with new communications technologies, such as those involving multimedia and the internet. An interest in emerging technologies can help technical writers develop and present information effectively.
Technical writers must keep their skills and knowledge current through professional development activities such as:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Technical writers may work for public organizations such as:
They may also work for businesses such as:
Experienced writers may advance to supervisory or management positions. They may move into self-employment or build their own businesses with contract workers or salaried employees. With the required knowledge and skills, they may move into related occupations. For more information, see these occupational profiles:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5121: Authors and writers occupational group, 75.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5121: Authors and writers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.23 | $38.46 | $30.09 | $31.25 |
| Overall | $21.54 | $50.46 | $36.47 | $35.58 |
| Top | $23.13 | $132.21 | $58.73 | $41.29 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $71,124 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $67,804 |
| Public Administration | $83,538 |
Society for Technical Communication website: www.stc.org
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 27, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
