Technical Writers Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $66,730 -27.2% vs national
Median hourly $32.08
10th percentile $53,170
90th percentile $87,000
Employed locally 210
National median $91,670

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Technical Writers
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $53,170
    25th
    $62,700
    50th (median)
    $66,730
    75th
    $79,730
    90th
    $87,000

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Technical Writers salary vs area income 79% Median Technical Writers salary is 21% 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
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $109,480
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $104,990
    California $100,440
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $97,810
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $93,650
    District of Columbia $89,180

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $68,360
    Coaches and Scouts $34,640
    Graphic Designers $51,100
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $39,300
    Interior Designers $62,390
    Producers and Directors $58,690

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Technical Writers make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Technical Writers in Des Moines, IA is $32.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $48.00 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Technical Writers salaries?

    The median Technical Writers salary in Des Moines, IA is 27.2% 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Technical Writers (10th percentile) earn around $53,170 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $62,700.