Technical authors are responsible for writing the documentation connected with a product. This includes specifications, maintenance manuals, user instructions and training documents as well as marketing material to attract potential buyers.

It’s not an easy job, as anyone who has bought a complicated piece of equipment will understand. It requires a clear knowledge of the relevant technology and an ability to write good, unambiguous prose that is easy for others to understand.

Technical writers must be able to put themselves in their readers’ shoes and make clear all the complicated things about a product.

Jobs are mostly with large manufacturers of high tech products, especially electronic equipment.

Graduate salaries

Starting salaries are typically in the region of £19,000 to £22,000.

Professional bodies

• Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators

Related jobs

• Copywriter
• Editor
• Journalist
• Sub-editor
• Public relations officer

Find out more

You can find out about writing jobs in the Media, marketing & creative section of this website.