Technical Writers Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $80,240 -12.5% vs national
Median hourly $38.58
10th percentile $56,090
90th percentile $127,640
Employed locally 920
National median $91,670

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Technical Writers
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $56,090
    25th
    $65,880
    50th (median)
    $80,240
    75th
    $103,950
    90th
    $127,640

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Technical Writers salary vs area income 90% Median Technical Writers salary is 10% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Technical Writers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $182,450
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $135,880
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $130,850
    Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT $125,760
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $109,480
    Connecticut $109,400

    Nearby metros — Technical Writers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $100,660
    Wilmington, NC $93,100
    Charlottesville, VA $89,860
    Huntsville, AL $88,090
    Asheville, NC $87,330
    Greenville, NC $84,610

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $47,770
    Graphic Designers $62,490
    Public Relations Specialists $63,910
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $38,640
    Editors $71,600
    Producers and Directors $78,490

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Technical Writers make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Technical Writers in Chicago, IL-IN is $38.58, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $65.28 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Technical Writers salaries?

    The median Technical Writers salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 12.5% below the national median of $91,670. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Technical Writers in Chicago?

    Entry-level Technical Writers (10th percentile) earn around $56,090 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $65,880.