Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Technical writers specialize in creating clear, accurate written materials, supported by strong skills in writing and reading, computers and information technology, and critical and analytical thinking. Nationally, there are about 56,000 people working in this occupation, with a national median annual salary of $91,670. The role rewards detail orientation, creativity and innovation, and the ability to adapt, speak, and listen effectively. Fine motor and mechanical abilities, along with science knowledge, can also play a role in this career path. Projected employment growth of 0.9% and about 4,000 annual openings indicate a steady flow of opportunities. Career options can also be compared with related paths such as paralegals and legal assistants, legal support workers, social science research assistants, legal secretaries and administrative assistants, and information security analysts. Overall, this career can appeal to students, career changers, and professionals who enjoy precise, analytical, and well-structured communication work.
Technical writers earn a national median annual salary of $91,670, indicating strong earning potential for individuals who build expertise in this field. Salaries vary by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, median pay ranges from $98,310 in New York to $109,200 in Massachusetts, with California and Washington both around $104,000 and Colorado at $100,610. At the metro level, salary levels are even higher in several key areas. The San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA metro has a median salary of $140,700, while San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA reports $135,470. New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH both exceed $111,000, and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV offers $99,910. These figures show that location choices can significantly affect earnings for technical writers.
Nationally, technical writers account for about 56,000 jobs, reflecting a distinct professional niche. Projected employment growth is 0.9%, suggesting incremental expansion over time. About 4,000 annual openings combine demand from new positions with the need to replace workers who change careers or retire. The same 0.9% projected growth rate appears in several of the top states and metro areas by opportunity score, indicating a consistent growth expectation across many major markets. While the growth rate is modest, the combination of a defined employment base and steady openings can provide regular entry points for new and advancing professionals. For career planners, this means that technical writing may offer relatively stable prospects, especially for individuals who develop strong abilities in writing, reading, technology, analysis, and adaptability, which align with the top skills associated with this occupation.
Location plays a major role in opportunity and pay for technical writers. Among states, California and Massachusetts stand out with high median salaries of $104,000 and $109,200 and opportunity scores of 67.38 and 65.87, respectively. New York, Colorado, and Washington also show competitive salaries between $98,310 and $104,070, with opportunity scores from 56.29 to 65.78. Employment levels differ as well: California has the largest technical writer workforce among these top states at 5,280, while the others range from 1,320 in Colorado to 1,850 in Massachusetts. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA and New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ post the highest opportunity scores (77.42 and 77.27) along with high median salaries of $140,700 and $111,050. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH also combine strong salaries and solid opportunity scores, offering multiple geographically distinct options.
Technical writers typically need a bachelor’s degree, providing a structured foundation in advanced communication and analytical skills. Success in this field is closely tied to strong abilities in writing and reading, as written communication is central to the occupation. Competence with computers and information technology is also important, along with critical and analytical thinking that supports clear, accurate, and logically organized content. Creativity and innovation help technical writers present information in engaging and effective ways, while speaking and listening skills support collaboration and gathering detailed information. Adaptability and being detail oriented are key to handling complex material with precision. Additional strengths in science, fine motor skills, and mechanical understanding can further support work in technical domains. For students and career changers, developing this combination of education and skills can improve readiness for technical writing roles and associated career paths in similar occupations listed for comparison.
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