Technical Writer Salary in 2026
Technical writers create documentation that explains complex technical information in clear, concise language. They produce user guides, API docs, help files, and knowledge base articles.
Median Salary
$77,000
$6,417/mo
Entry Level
$53,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$103,000
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
Technical Writer Overview
Technical writers create documentation that explains complex technical information in clear, concise language. They produce user guides, API docs, help files, and knowledge base articles.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
56K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$37.02/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,417
Technical Writer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Technical Writer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Technical Writer Salary
$86,000
$7,167/month · $3,308/biweekly · $41.35/hr
Technical Writer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Technical Writer field.
Entry-level Technical Writers earn around $53,000, while the top 10% earn $118,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Technical Writers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $91,000 | +$14,000 |
| Washington | $86,000 | +$9,000 |
| Massachusetts | $86,000 | +$9,000 |
| Virginia | $82,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $75,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Technical Writers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $96,000 | +$19,000 |
| Washington DC | $89,000 | +$12,000 |
| Seattle | $88,000 | +$11,000 |
| Boston | $86,000 | +$9,000 |
| Austin | $79,000 | +$2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Technical Writer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Technical Writer from entry level to expert.
$53,000
0-2 years
$78,000
3-7 years
$103,000
8-14 years
$133,000
15+ years
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Technical Writer Salary FAQ
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