Technical writers

Strong job outlook

Overview

Technical writers write manuals and specifications for publication or presentation. They are employed by governments, large corporations, private consulting firms, publishing firms, and other establishments, or they may be self-employed.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Analyze material, such as specifications, notes and drawings

  • Conduct interviews and research to gather information on a specific field

  • Write, review and update manuals, user guides and other documents to provide instruction and to explain clearly and concisely the installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, mechanical and other equipment

  • Develop and maintain help documentation

  • May design and develop training course material

  • May help create content for software products, such as on-screen instructions and error messages.

Job titles

  • content writer (technical)
  • handbook writer
  • help file developer
  • instructional designer
  • manual writer
  • medical writer

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$51,952

Median

$80,671

High

$122,779

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

Strong job outlook

British Columbia

261

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • A university degree in the area of specialization, such as computer science or engineering is usually required.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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