Technical Writer salary in Ann Arbor, MI
Technical Writers in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn a median of $89,840 a year ($43.19 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $57,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $142,180 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 5% higher than the Michigan statewide median of $85,270. There are 0.25 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $97,120, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Ann Arbor, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,370 | $27.58 |
| 25th percentile | $66,520 | $31.98 |
| Median | $89,840 | $43.19 |
| 75th percentile | $120,420 | $57.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $142,180 | $68.36 |
| Average (mean) | $97,120 | $46.69 |
Half of technical writers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,486.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,743.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,455.38 |
| Weekly | $1,727.69 |
| Hourly | $43.19 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Technical Writer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $92,390 | 560 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $82,670 | 30 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $79,080 | 100 |
Highest-paying states for technical writers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $122,320 |
| District of Columbia | $117,810 |
| Massachusetts | $109,200 |
| Washington | $104,070 |
| California | $104,000 |
| Rhode Island | $102,360 |
| Connecticut | $101,870 |
| Maryland | $100,990 |
| Colorado | $100,610 |
| New York | $98,310 |
See Technical Writer pay in every state or the Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ann Arbor, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,890 | $33.12 |
| Editor | $64,670 | $31.09 |
| Writers and Authors | $37,330 | $17.95 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $67,850 | $32.62 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $59,890 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $55,020 | $26.45 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $45.21 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Producers and Directors | $67,600 | $32.50 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $45,160 | $21.71 |
| Interior Designer | $58,600 | $28.18 |
| Photographer | $37,510 | $18.04 |
| Floral Designer | $37,350 | $17.96 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $83,530 | $40.16 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Ann Arbor, MI
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-3042. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a technical writer make in Ann Arbor, MI?
The median salary for technical writers in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area is $89,840 a year, or $43.19 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $142,180 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Ann Arbor, MI?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn at least $142,180 a year. The top 25% earn $120,420 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Ann Arbor, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,370 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $66,520 or less.
How many technical writers work in Ann Arbor, MI?
About 60 technical writers are employed in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.