Technical Writer
Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. They also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information among customers, designers, and manufacturers.
$79,960
Median Salary
$85,557
Mean Salary
55,400
Total Employment
6%
Job Growth
Faster than average
Bachelor's degree
Education
4,986
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $47,976
25th Percentile $62,369
Median $79,960
75th Percentile $102,349
90th Percentile $134,333
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
Texas 5,197
California 4,942
New York 2,656
Illinois 2,655
Florida 2,320
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $165,373 |
| 2 | New York | $131,905 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $129,970 |
| 4 | California | $122,640 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $120,920 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $120,270 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $104,162 |
| 8 | Alaska | $103,643 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $103,307 |
| 10 | Oregon | $100,371 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $98,278 |
| 12 | Virginia | $95,075 |
| 13 | Nevada | $94,148 |
| 14 | Arizona | $92,111 |
| 15 | Minnesota | $91,567 |
| 16 | Delaware | $90,219 |
| 17 | Illinois | $89,419 |
| 18 | Maryland | $86,539 |
| 19 | Washington | $85,997 |
| 20 | North Carolina | $85,003 |
| 21 | Utah | $83,897 |
| 22 | Indiana | $82,162 |
| 23 | Colorado | $81,702 |
| 24 | Maine | $81,421 |
| 25 | Vermont | $80,148 |
| 26 | Kentucky | $79,089 |
| 27 | Pennsylvania | $77,932 |
| 28 | New Mexico | $77,651 |
| 29 | Arkansas | $77,440 |
| 30 | North Dakota | $77,089 |
| 31 | South Carolina | $76,915 |
| 32 | Michigan | $75,506 |
| 33 | Idaho | $74,787 |
| 34 | Wisconsin | $74,255 |
| 35 | Georgia | $74,059 |
| 36 | Montana | $73,413 |
| 37 | Alabama | $72,812 |
| 38 | Florida | $70,484 |
| 39 | Oklahoma | $70,445 |
| 40 | Texas | $69,846 |
| 41 | Ohio | $69,774 |
| 42 | Nebraska | $69,374 |
| 43 | Missouri | $68,529 |
| 44 | West Virginia | $67,699 |
| 45 | South Dakota | $66,662 |
| 46 | Louisiana | $65,664 |
| 47 | Tennessee | $65,657 |
| 48 | Wyoming | $65,371 |
| 49 | Kansas | $63,590 |
| 50 | Iowa | $61,445 |
| 51 | Mississippi | $61,412 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Technical Writer?
The median salary for a Technical Writer is $79,960 per year nationally. Salaries range from $47,976 (10th percentile) to $134,333 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Technical Writer?
A Technical Writer typically requires a bachelor's degree.
What is the job outlook for Technical Writers?
Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 6% — faster than average. About 4,986 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Technical Writers the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for technical writers at $165,373 per year.