How to become a Technical Writer
Researches and writes technical information-based material and documentation for articles, manuals, textbooks, handbooks or multimedia products, usually for education or corporate purposes.
Main tasks
- Conducts research to acquire knowledge of the subject matter, technologies and processes to be documented
- Develops plans outlining the scope, objectives and timelines for creating or updating technical documentation
- Identifies the target audience and tailors documentation to their needs
- Collaborates with subject matter experts for accuracy
- Incorporates visual elements such as screenshots, diagrams and illustrations, to enhance the understanding of technical concepts
- Applies consistent formatting, style and branding
- Ensures that documentation complies with accessibility standards, industry standards and regulatory requirements
- Utilises various documentation tools and technologies, such as word processors and content management systems, to create, manage and publish documentation
Ways in
- University: Communications & Media degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing (CUA40118); Diploma of Engineering - Technical (MEM50222); Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing (CUA50118)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $89,544 a year
- About 23,300 people work in this job group now, and about 27,700 are projected by 2035. (+18.7%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Technical Writer?
Ways in include: Communications & Media degrees; Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing; Diploma of Engineering - Technical.
How much does a Technical Writer earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $89,544 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Technical Writer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 23,300 to about 27,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Technical Writer?
Usually. 68% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Technical Writer?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04