Technical Writer
Technical writers translate complex technical information into clear and understandable language. They shape and deliver information to meet the needs of a target audience.
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Information Developer, Information Designer, Professional Information Communicator, Technical Communicator, Writer
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:
Starting | $24.75 |
---|---|
Overall | $29.81 |
Top | $35.76 |
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
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 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.
Technical writers produce information for audiences ranging from novices to technical experts. In general, they write online content, reference materials, and educational materials. They write procedural and policy manuals, user guides, and proposals. They also write technical reports and instructional materials. Their work explains the installation, operation, and maintenance of mechanical, electronic, and other equipment. This can include oil industry equipment, computer applications, and other things. Technical writers:
Technical writers may define terms in glossary format. They may index or cross-reference information. They may obtain copyright permissions to reprint material. They may work independently or as part of a team. The team may include scientists, engineers, computer specialists, management personnel, editors, other writers, illustrators, media specialists, or videographers.
Technical writers who work for mid-sized or large organizations most often work standard office hours. Overtime sometimes is required to meet deadlines. Contract writers working from home can set their own hours. However, they must be prepared for long hours to complete projects on time. Many contract writers are required to work in offices during normal business hours. There can be stress associated with meeting deadlines.
Technical writers need:
They should enjoy gathering and synthesizing information. They should like taking a methodical approach to explaining procedures and finding out how things are built and operate. Understanding their role as technical communicator, including translation skills and intercultural sensitivity, is a definite asset.
There are no standard education requirements for technical writers. In general, they need to be strong writers with excellent grammar. They need to understand plain language, presentation formats, and readability principles. They also need:
Most employers prefer to hire writers with related post-secondary education or experience. They should be able to supply samples of their work online and in a portfolio. Practical writing and design layout experience is an asset. They 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, particularly those involving multimedia and the internet. They must keep their skills and knowledge current through professional development activities. These can include continuing education courses, workshops, online courses and conferences, reading, and communicating with others in their field. An interest in emerging technologies is beneficial in helping writers develop and present information effectively.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Technical writers may be employed full time, part time, or on a contract basis. They may work for public organizations or businesses, such as:
Experienced writers may advance to supervisory or management positions. With the required knowledge and skills, they may move into related occupations. For more information, see the the Instructional Designer, Editor, Graphic Designer, Translator, Interactive Media Programmer, or Training and Development Professional occupational profiles.
Technical writers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5121: Authors and writers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (pdf) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salary survey data for technical writers is available from the Society for Technical Communication Alberta (STC Alberta).
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $18.27 | $35.83 | $24.75 | $24.04 |
Overall | $22.16 | $44.95 | $29.81 | $26.68 |
Top | $22.71 | $47.00 | $35.76 | $35.10 |
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.
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.
Public Administration | $77,677 |
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ALL INDUSTRIES | $59,315 |
Society for Technical Communication, Alberta Chapter (STC Alberta) website: www.stc-alberta.org
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
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Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.