Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
Top skills:WritingReading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive Learning
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Technical Writer salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
18,320 workers
$104,000
Sectors 31, 32, and 33 – Manufacturing
5,920 workers
$91,500
Information
5,910 workers
$103,500
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
4,100 workers
$108,000
Wholesale Trade
1,950 workers
$103,000
Finance and Insurance
1,760 workers
$94,000
Federal, State, and Local Government, excl. State & Local Schools & Hospitals & USPS
1,650 workers
$99,500
Management of Companies and Enterprises
1,560 workers
$100,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
The average base salary for a Technical Writer in the United States is $100,500 per year, or about $48.32 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $73,500 and $119,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $86,500 across 41 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
