Technical Writer salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Technical Writers in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area earn a median of $69,410 a year ($33.37 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $57,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $114,240 for the top 10%. That is 23% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 4% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $66,520. There are 0.60 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.1× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $74,620, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,220 | $27.51 |
| 25th percentile | $58,140 | $27.95 |
| Median | $69,410 | $33.37 |
| 75th percentile | $89,060 | $42.82 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $114,240 | $54.92 |
| Average (mean) | $74,620 | $35.87 |
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 | $5,784.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,892.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,669.62 |
| Weekly | $1,334.81 |
| Hourly | $33.37 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $77,170 | 60 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $69,450 | 200 |
| Dubuque, IA | $57,400 | 70 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,620 | $31.07 |
| Editor | $61,880 | $29.75 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,990 | $23.55 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Writers and Authors | $62,110 | $29.86 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,150 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,850 | $18.68 |
| Graphic Designer | $58,520 | $28.14 |
| Producers and Directors | $49,210 | $23.66 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $66,400 | $31.92 |
| Interior Designer | $50,300 | $24.18 |
| Photographer | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Art Director | $103,120 | $49.58 |
| Floral Designer | $36,280 | $17.44 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Cedar Rapids, IA
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 Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median salary for technical writers in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area is $69,410 a year, or $33.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $114,240 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area earn at least $114,240 a year. The top 25% earn $89,060 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,220 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $58,140 or less.
How many technical writers work in Cedar Rapids, IA?
About 80 technical writers are employed in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.