Technical Writers Salary in Portland, OR-WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Median annual salary $83,440 -9% vs national
Median hourly $40.11
10th percentile $55,610
90th percentile $135,970
Employed locally 460
National median $91,670

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Technical Writers
in
Portland, OR-WA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $55,610
    25th
    $71,210
    50th (median)
    $83,440
    75th
    $111,330
    90th
    $135,970

    Portland economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $94,573 2023 • Census ACS
    Technical Writers salary vs area income 88% Median Technical Writers salary is 12% 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
    Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT $125,760
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $104,990
    Colorado $103,960
    California $100,440
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $99,080
    Colorado Springs, CO $97,740

    Related occupations in Portland, OR-WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $75,840
    Coaches and Scouts $48,140
    Graphic Designers $68,710
    Producers and Directors $83,250
    Art Directors $155,350
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $41,350

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Technical Writers make per hour in Portland?

    The median hourly wage for Technical Writers in Portland, OR-WA is $40.11, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $68.76 or more per hour.

    Is Portland above or below average for Technical Writers salaries?

    The median Technical Writers salary in Portland, OR-WA is 9% 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 Portland?

    Entry-level Technical Writers (10th percentile) earn around $55,610 per year in Portland, OR-WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $71,210.