Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains answers to some of the most common questions sent to the ASTC (Vic). If you still have questions after reading this page, please e-mail us.
How do I get started in technical communication?
By applying for jobs! There is no particular qualification or experience a person must have before they begin working
as a technical communicator.
Technical communicators often hold degrees relevant to the industry they work in, for example a technical communicator
working for a telco may hold a degree in electrical engineering, or a technical communicator at CSIRO may hold a science
degree. Technical communicators may also be qualified journalists, or hold an Arts degree with a literature, English or
communication major.
To gain experience in the field, consider doing some voluntary work. The Society for Technical Communication (Australia
chapter) runs a program matching volunteers with organisations that require web sites. You may also be able to find
voluntary work with a charitable organisation that you already support.
What courses are available to get started in technical writing?
Refer to our Courses page for information about technical writing courses available in Australia and overseas.
I am moving interstate is there a local ASTC I can join?
There are branches of the ASTC in NSW and Queensland. Refer to the ASTC (NSW) website for more information.
How much do technical writers generally earn?
Jean Hollis-Weber (a NSW-based technical writer) conducted a survey in 2003, asking technical writers about their pay and conditions. The results are on the STC website. As a rule of thumb, junior writers earn approximately $40,000 per annum or $25 per hour.