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Technical Writers vs Writers and Authors: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Technical Writers

Median Salary
$85,937
Average (Mean)
$90,089
Employed Nationwide
44,380
VS

Writers and Authors

Median Salary
$70,715
Average (Mean)
$76,575
Employed Nationwide
38,650
Technical Writers earns $15,221 more (21.5%)
Technical Writers vs Writers and Authors national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Technical WritersTechnical WritersTechnical Writers: $85,937$85,937Writers and AuthorsWriters and AuthorsWriters and Authors: $70,716$70,716

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $85,937 $70,715
Average (Mean) Salary $90,089 $76,575
Total Employment 44,380 38,650
States with Higher Pay 33 6

Salary by State: Technical Writers vs Writers and Authors

Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Technical Writers pays more in 33 states; Writers and Authors pays more in 6.

State Technical Writers Writers and Authors Difference
Alabama $85,840
$66,950
+$18,890
Arizona $79,780
$55,990
+$23,790
Arkansas $61,180
$47,970
+$13,210
California $104,000
$86,480
+$17,520
Colorado $100,610
$76,830
+$23,780
Connecticut $101,870
$98,460
+$3,410
District of Columbia $117,810
$129,300
$-11,490
Florida $86,240
$68,080
+$18,160
Georgia $73,070
$74,710
$-1,640
Illinois $88,700
$68,220
+$20,480
Indiana $75,510
$75,820
$-310
Iowa $66,520
$61,010
+$5,510
Kansas $73,550
$65,840
+$7,710
Kentucky $81,070
$48,780
+$32,290
Louisiana $63,790
$89,520
$-25,730
Maryland $100,990
$104,330
$-3,340
Massachusetts $109,200
$85,260
+$23,940
Minnesota $83,270
$72,810
+$10,460
Mississippi $65,220
$54,180
+$11,040
Missouri $80,840
$58,140
+$22,700
Nevada $88,750
$63,910
+$24,840
New Hampshire $96,300
$71,830
+$24,470
New Jersey $122,320
$81,590
+$40,730
North Carolina $86,320
$63,660
+$22,660
North Dakota $72,990
$50,860
+$22,130
Ohio $76,480
$65,930
+$10,550
Oklahoma $69,760
$58,770
+$10,990
Oregon $84,000
$80,540
+$3,460
Pennsylvania $87,620
$77,410
+$10,210
Rhode Island $102,360
$70,190
+$32,170
South Carolina $82,540
$51,920
+$30,620
South Dakota $63,350
$56,700
+$6,650
Tennessee $79,550
$58,870
+$20,680
Texas $82,750
$69,990
+$12,760
Utah $80,270
$64,530
+$15,740
Vermont $87,860
$94,430
$-6,570
Virginia $93,600
$85,000
+$8,600
Washington $104,070
$85,700
+$18,370
Wisconsin $80,030
$64,370
+$15,660

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Technical Writers vs Writers and Authors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

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 $15,221 (21.5%) based on 2025 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 33 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Writers and Authors pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Technical Writers vs Writers and Authors?
The national median salary for a Technical Writers is $85,937 per year, compared to $70,715 for a Writers and Authors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Technical Writers or Writers and Authors?
There are more people employed as Technical Writers. BLS reports approximately 44,380 Technical Writers positions and 38,650 Writers and Authors positions nationwide (2025).
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.

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