National Salary Overview
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Median Salary
$81,843
Average (Mean)
$86,563
Employed Nationwide
29,980
VS
Technical Writers earns $4,093 more (5.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$81,843
$85,937
Average (Mean) Salary
$86,563
$90,089
Total Employment
29,980
44,380
States with Higher Pay
11
27
Salary by State: Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Technical Writers
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial and Industrial Designers pays more in 11 states; Technical Writers pays more in 27.
| State | Commercial and Industrial Designers | Technical Writers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $63,640 | $85,840 | $-22,200 | ||
| Arizona | $76,420 | $79,780 | $-3,360 | ||
| Arkansas | $92,540 | $61,180 | +$31,360 | ||
| California | $100,770 | $104,000 | $-3,230 | ||
| Colorado | $90,590 | $100,610 | $-10,020 | ||
| Connecticut | $81,300 | $101,870 | $-20,570 | ||
| Florida | $78,720 | $86,240 | $-7,520 | ||
| Georgia | $91,360 | $73,070 | +$18,290 | ||
| Indiana | $88,040 | $75,510 | +$12,530 | ||
| Iowa | $70,420 | $66,520 | +$3,900 | ||
| Kansas | $104,870 | $73,550 | +$31,320 | ||
| Kentucky | $76,100 | $81,070 | $-4,970 | ||
| Louisiana | $98,040 | $63,790 | +$34,250 | ||
| Maryland | $70,870 | $100,990 | $-30,120 | ||
| Massachusetts | $101,720 | $109,200 | $-7,480 | ||
| Michigan | $102,160 | $85,270 | +$16,890 | ||
| Minnesota | $94,370 | $83,270 | +$11,100 | ||
| Missouri | $75,440 | $80,840 | $-5,400 | ||
| Montana | $72,990 | $75,070 | $-2,080 | ||
| Nevada | $76,680 | $88,750 | $-12,070 | ||
| New Hampshire | $74,050 | $96,300 | $-22,250 | ||
| New Jersey | $90,310 | $122,320 | $-32,010 | ||
| New Mexico | $62,710 | $94,970 | $-32,260 | ||
| New York | $89,640 | $98,310 | $-8,670 | ||
| North Carolina | $80,620 | $86,320 | $-5,700 | ||
| Ohio | $79,470 | $76,480 | +$2,990 | ||
| Oklahoma | $76,640 | $69,760 | +$6,880 | ||
| Oregon | $76,970 | $84,000 | $-7,030 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $82,610 | $87,620 | $-5,010 | ||
| Rhode Island | $101,140 | $102,360 | $-1,220 | ||
| South Carolina | $77,300 | $82,540 | $-5,240 | ||
| South Dakota | $60,110 | $63,350 | $-3,240 | ||
| Tennessee | $71,230 | $79,550 | $-8,320 | ||
| Utah | $62,620 | $80,270 | $-17,650 | ||
| Vermont | $80,690 | $87,860 | $-7,170 | ||
| Virginia | $82,230 | $93,600 | $-11,370 | ||
| Washington | $94,280 | $104,070 | $-9,790 | ||
| Wisconsin | $80,590 | $80,030 | +$560 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Technical Writers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial and Industrial Designers or Technical Writers?
On average across all states, a Technical Writers earns more than a Commercial and Industrial Designers. The national median salary difference is $4,093 (5.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Commercial and Industrial Designers earn more than a Technical Writers?
A Commercial and Industrial Designers earns a higher median salary than a Technical Writers in 11 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Technical Writers pays more in 27 states.
What is the median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designers vs Technical Writers?
The national median salary for a Commercial and Industrial Designers is $81,843 per year, compared to $85,937 for a Technical Writers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Commercial and Industrial Designers or Technical Writers?
There are more people employed as Technical Writers. BLS reports approximately 29,980 Commercial and Industrial Designers positions and 44,380 Technical Writers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Commercial and Industrial Designers or Technical Writers?
Both Commercial and Industrial Designers and Technical Writers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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