Technical Writers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $97,810 +6.7% vs national
Median hourly $47.03
10th percentile $63,870
90th percentile $137,870
Employed locally 2,630
National median $91,670

Compare Technical Writers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Technical Writers
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $63,870
    25th
    $74,970
    50th (median)
    $97,810
    75th
    $120,230
    90th
    $137,870

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 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

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $95,370
    Editors $80,990
    Graphic Designers $82,360
    Producers and Directors $96,530
    Coaches and Scouts $54,070
    News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $99,730

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Technical Writers make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Technical Writers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $47.03, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $71.47 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Technical Writers salaries?

    The median Technical Writers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 6.7% above 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Technical Writers (10th percentile) earn around $63,870 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $74,970.