Technical Writers vs Writers and Authors: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Technical Writers

Median Salary
$76,981
Average (Mean)
$81,428
Employed Nationwide
47,440
VS

Writers and Authors

Median Salary
$65,436
Average (Mean)
$72,970
Employed Nationwide
48,130
Technical Writers earns $11,545 more (17.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $76,981 $65,436
Average (Mean) Salary $81,428 $72,970
Total Employment 47,440 48,130
States with Higher Pay 36 8

Salary by State: Technical Writers vs Writers and Authors

Showing 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. Technical Writers pays more in 36 states; Writers and Authors pays more in 8.

State Technical Writers Writers and Authors Difference
Alabama $79,830
$62,410
+$17,420
Arizona $39,920
$57,790
$-17,870
Arkansas $52,670
$46,490
+$6,180
California $100,370
$94,440
+$5,930
Colorado $87,930
$76,170
+$11,760
Connecticut $92,260
$68,750
+$23,510
Delaware $101,030
$59,200
+$41,830
District of Columbia $102,970
$94,290
+$8,680
Florida $75,370
$56,640
+$18,730
Georgia $78,840
$74,450
+$4,390
Idaho $76,060
$70,490
+$5,570
Illinois $81,730
$61,250
+$20,480
Indiana $66,920
$59,900
+$7,020
Iowa $69,400
$54,110
+$15,290
Kansas $66,470
$63,840
+$2,630
Kentucky $79,700
$64,680
+$15,020
Louisiana $64,200
$69,400
$-5,200
Maine $70,660
$78,290
$-7,630
Maryland $94,990
$97,770
$-2,780
Massachusetts $100,860
$75,140
+$25,720
Michigan $73,710
$48,460
+$25,250
Minnesota $75,090
$69,990
+$5,100
Mississippi $61,260
$45,700
+$15,560
Missouri $75,560
$59,370
+$16,190
Montana $65,090
$53,120
+$11,970
Nebraska $73,900
$62,300
+$11,600
Nevada $80,800
$61,910
+$18,890
New Jersey $90,160
$76,020
+$14,140
New York $85,420
$98,570
$-13,150
North Carolina $82,590
$64,520
+$18,070
Ohio $62,980
$56,050
+$6,930
Oklahoma $61,410
$51,480
+$9,930
Oregon $78,860
$82,370
$-3,510
Pennsylvania $75,470
$62,500
+$12,970
Rhode Island $95,520
$64,990
+$30,530
South Carolina $73,250
$45,140
+$28,110
South Dakota $55,430
$56,490
$-1,060
Tennessee $64,520
$58,830
+$5,690
Texas $72,760
$64,530
+$8,230
Utah $73,720
$53,130
+$20,590
Vermont $66,020
$69,990
$-3,970
Virginia $86,360
$76,940
+$9,420
Washington $99,900
$81,530
+$18,370
Wisconsin $69,920
$56,870
+$13,050

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Technical Writers or Writers and Authors?
On average across all states, a Technical Writers earns more than a Writers and Authors. The national median salary difference is $11,545 (17.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Technical Writers earn more than a Writers and Authors?
A Technical Writers earns a higher median salary than a Writers and Authors in 36 out of 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Writers and Authors pays more in 8 states.
What is the median salary for a Technical Writers vs Writers and Authors?
The national median salary for a Technical Writers is $76,981 per year, compared to $65,436 for a Writers and Authors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Technical Writers or Writers and Authors?
There are more people employed as Writers and Authors. BLS reports approximately 47,440 Technical Writers positions and 48,130 Writers and Authors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Technical Writers or Writers and Authors?
Both Technical Writers and Writers and Authors 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.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.