51111 – Authors and writers (except technical)
TEER 1Occupations usually requiring a university degree
Lead statement
Novelists, playwrights, script writers, poets and other creative writers conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation.
Main duties
- Conceive and write novels, plays, scripts, poetry and other material for publication or presentation
- May conduct research to establish factual content and to obtain other necessary information.
- Write e-copy, blog posts, e-books, podcasts and other forms of Web-based content
- Conduct research on a variety of topics to inform writing and may consult with clients to determine the goals of the writing.
- Study and determine selling features of products and services and write text for advertisements and commercials.
Employment requirements
- Talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.
- Creative writing programs are offered by universities and colleges.
- Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation may be required.
- Copywriters usually require a university degree or college diploma in French, English, marketing, advertising or another discipline.
Example job titles
television writer · author · biographer · essayist · fiction writer · novelist · literary writer · playwright · radio writer · content writer (except technical) · blogger · Web content specialist · advertising writer · ad writer · publicity writer · copywriter
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $25.48 | $36.81 | $53.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $22.23 | $31.96 | $46.74 |
| Nova Scotia | $25.00 | $33.00 | $40.00 |
| New Brunswick | $21.00 | $32.63 | $45.67 |
| Quebec | $26.92 | $36.00 | $53.00 |
| Ontario | $25.82 | $40.38 | $53.00 |
| Manitoba | $22.12 | $32.34 | $39.40 |
| Saskatchewan | $21.04 | $34.37 | $48.01 |
| Alberta | $20.00 | $38.56 | $55.00 |
| British Columbia | $20.75 | $36.44 | $68.75 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.