Technical Writers Salary 2025: $90,390 Median – Pay by State & Career Guide
The median Technical Writer salary hits $90,390 as of 2025, with the top 10% earning over $145,270. That national mean lands at $96,970, or roughly $43 an hour. For a career that typically requires a bachelor's degree, the payoff is solid.
How much Technical Writers earn
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the typical Technical Writer earns between $57,440 (10th percentile) and $145,270 (90th percentile). Half of all workers fall below $90,390; half earn more.
Experience and industry drive pay. Entry-level roles often start around the 10th percentile, while seasoned writers in software publishing or scientific research can push well into six figures. The mean hourly wage is $46.62.
- Median annual salary: $90,390
- Mean annual salary: $96,970
- Hourly mean: $46.62
- Typical range: $57,440 – $145,270
Pay by state
Location matters. The highest-paying state for Technical Writers is New Jersey, with an annual mean wage of $122,320. Next up: District of Columbia ($117,810), Massachusetts ($109,200), Washington ($104,070), and California ($104,000).
On the other end, the lowest-paying states are Louisiana ($63,790), South Dakota ($63,350), and Arkansas ($61,180). Moving to a top-paying state can boost your salary by nearly 100%.
- New Jersey: $122,320
- District of Columbia: $117,810
- Massachusetts: $109,200
- Washington: $104,070
- California: $104,000
- Louisiana: $63,790
- South Dakota: $63,350
- Arkansas: $61,180
How to become a Technical Writer
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point – typically in English, communications, journalism, or a technical field like computer science. Coursework in technical writing or a minor in a STEM area can give you an edge.
Certifications aren't required but can help: the Society for Technical Communication offers the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) credential. Most Technical Writers also need a portfolio of sample documents – try creating user guides for open-source software or writing knowledge-base articles to demonstrate skill.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (English, communications, or tech field).
- Build a portfolio: write sample user manuals, help files, or online documentation.
- Consider a certification like CPTC (Society for Technical Communication).
- Gain entry-level experience via internships or freelance writing.
Job outlook
Employment of Technical Writers is projected to grow 0.9% from 2024 to 2034 – slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 4,500 openings each year, mostly due to workers retiring or switching jobs.
The slow growth reflects the maturity of the occupation. Still, demand for clear documentation in tech, healthcare, and scientific fields keeps hiring steady. Writers with expertise in specific software tools or industries will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Technical Writer earn per hour?
The mean hourly wage for Technical Writers is $46.62, per the BLS.
What degree do you need to become a Technical Writer?
A bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or a technical field is typical.
Is Technical Writing a growing career?
Growth is slow: 0.9% projected over the 2024-2034 decade, with about 4,500 openings per year.
Which state pays Technical Writers the most?
New Jersey tops the list at $122,320 mean annual wage, followed by D.C. and Massachusetts.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Technical Writers data.