51111 – Authors and writers (except technical)
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 1.3 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 20 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 50 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
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.