Technical author

Technical authors write documents and guides that explain how to use products and services. They also set out processes and regulations.

Also known as: Technical copywriter, technical editor, technical communicator

• Starter salary£27,000 a year
• Experienced£50,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 40 a week

What you'll do

As a technical author, you could:

• research, write and edit complex information for a target audience
• produce new documents like user guides and maintenance manuals
• update or rewrite existing material
• commission photographs or illustrations
• test what you've written with content users and refine it
• create multi-channel content for websites, e-learning platforms and podcasts
• work with translators to convert technical content into English from other languages

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• excellent written communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• administration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a technical author

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• applying directly
• completing specialised training courses

University

You'll usually need a degree qualification in a subject like:

• science
• computing
• journalism
• engineering
• healthcare
• communications
• modern languages and translation

You can also do technical or science communication and writing courses at postgraduate level.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Direct application

You can apply to companies directly. Employers will expect you to have in-depth industry knowledge and experience of writing and editing for a target audience.

You'll need to show you can research and interpret complex information and communicate it clearly. You'll also need to know about:

• content planning and strategy
• writing to a brand style or other guidelines
• user behaviour - how people read and absorb information
• project management

You can also apply for jobs advertised through agencies that recruit and place technical authors.

Other routes

You may be able to find work after doing specialised training courses in:

• content planning
• writing styles
• quality assurance
• costing
• project management

The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators has details of course providers.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a technical author with a larger organisation, move into senior editing or commissioning roles, or work freelance as a consultant.

If you are fluent in another language, you may be able to combine translation and technical writing work.

Guides for this industry

• Creative & Media: pay, interviews and getting started →

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