How to become a technical writer
Official title: Technical writers
Also called: Manual writer, Medical writer, Handbook writer, Proposal writer, Standards writer, Technical writer, Scientific writer, Support materials writer, Content writer (technical), Programmed-instruction writer, Self-instruction manual writer, Technical writer - aeronautics
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
A university degree in the area of specialization, such as computer science or engineering is usually required.
Ways in
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 14 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $70,317 a year The middle half earn $63,005 to $93,210.
- About 8,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 8,700 are projected by 2033. (+8.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Editors
- Authors and writers (except technical)
- Journalists
- Translators, terminologists and interpreters
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Questions people ask
How do I become a technical writer?
A university degree in the area of specialization, such as computer science or engineering is usually required.
How much does a technical writer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $70,317 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $63,005 to $93,210.
Is a technical writer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 8,000 to about 8,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a technical writer?
Usually. 77% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03