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Technical author
Hours
40 per week
Starting salary
£18,000 + per year
As a technical author, you would use your specialist knowledge to prepare documents or electronic materials that can be easily understood by users of products and systems – ranging from car or aircraft maintenance manuals to procedures for large businesses, and from instructions on programming DVD recorders to online help for computer software. If you have good writing skills and you are comfortable with technical information, this job could be ideal for you.
To be good at this job you will also need to be organised and methodical. You will need to work accurately and with attention to detail.
Employers will usually expect you to have background knowledge of their industry, such as science, computing or engineering. There aren't any set entry requirements to get into this job. However, there are courses in technical communication you can do that could help you develop the skills you would need.
WorkDesc
The work
As a technical author, your work would typically involve:
- producing new documents
- updating or rewriting existing documents
- collecting relevant, often very complex, information
- presenting the information in the simplest and most appropriate way
- commissioning photographs or illustrations
- testing the materials with users.
You would work with product developers, marketing professionals, printers and publishers, technical experts, graphic designers, artists and illustrators.
HoursDesc
Hours
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may have to do extra hours to meet deadlines. This could sometimes include working evenings and weekends.
As a freelancer, you would usually work irregular hours, and may work from home.
IncomeDesc
Income
Starting salaries can be around £20,000 a year. Experienced technical authors can earn over £40,000.
There are no standard pay scales and salaries vary according to experience, qualifications and type of employer. Freelance authors charge by the hour or by project.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
Employers will usually expect you to have background knowledge of their industry, and most technical authors have qualifications or extensive experience in areas such as:
- science
- computing
- manufacturing
- journalism
- engineering.
If you have this kind of background, and are able to show that you can research, absorb and understand complex information, and communicate it in a clear way, you may not always need a qualification in technical communication. You may be able to find work and train on the job by attending relevant courses.
Alternatively, before looking for work you can complete training in technical communication at all levels, from basic training to a full MA and other postgraduate courses. See the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC) website for details of courses.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
When you start work as a technical author you may receive on-the-job training. You may also attend relevant short courses, for example on using new software packages.
You can complete training in technical communication techniques part-time or by distance learning through universities, colleges and private training providers. See the ISTC website for details.
As a member of ISTC, you can attend a variety of conferences, meetings and other events which will be useful for your professional development.
Visit the Association of British Science Writers and the European Medical Writers Association websites for details of training in these specialist areas.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To be a technical author you should have:
- clear and concise writing skills
- the ability to research and analyse complex technical information
- the ability to absorb information quickly and structure it logically
- an organised and methodical approach
- accuracy and attention to detail
- ability to meet deadlines
- an awareness of graphic design and publishing processes
- IT skills
- the ability to work in a team.
MoreInformationDesc
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
You could find work with a wide range of organisations, including:
- publications departments of major engineering and scientific companies
- computer software and hardware companies
- automotive, aviation and other manufacturers
- the Civil Service
- medicine and education
- technical publishing companies and agencies.
You may also be able to work on a freelance basis.
In some publications departments or technical agencies you may be able to progress to a senior position once you have experience.
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework 
there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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