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Technical author
Technical copywriter, technical editor, technical communicator
Technical authors write documents and guides that explain how to use products and services.
Average salary (a year)
£20000
Starter
£50000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
occasionally
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; applying directly; completing specialised training courses
University
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like
science, computing, journalism, engineering, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals
You can 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 in their sector.
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 brand style or other guidelines, user behaviour - how people read and absorb information, project management
Other Routes
You may be able to find work after doing short, specialised training courses in
content planning, writing styles, quality assurance, costing, project management
The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators may have details of short courses like these and how to find them.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming a technical author from the Institute of Science and Technical Communicators and the Association of British Science Writers has more information on becoming a science journalist.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
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
    Thinking and reasoning skills
    Administration skills
    Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
    The ability to use your initiative
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could
collect and edit complex information, produce new documents like manuals and instructions, update or rewrite existing documents, commission photographs or illustrations, work on digital or multi-channel content like blogs, e-learning or podcasts, test what you've written with content users
Working environment
You could work in an office or from home.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could become a technical author for a larger organisation, or move into technical editing.
You could move into supervisory or management roles or work as a freelance consultant.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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