Technical Writer salary in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
Technical Writers in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn a median of $92,390 a year ($44.42 an hour), based on BLS data for 560 workers.
Pay ranges from $62,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,070 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 8% higher than the Michigan statewide median of $85,270. There are 0.30 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $93,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $62,050 | $29.83 |
| 25th percentile | $69,370 | $33.35 |
| Median | $92,390 | $44.42 |
| 75th percentile | $110,780 | $53.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,070 | $61.09 |
| Average (mean) | $93,130 | $44.77 |
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 | $7,699.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,849.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,553.46 |
| Weekly | $1,776.73 |
| Hourly | $44.42 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $89,840 | 60 |
| 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 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,100 | $31.78 |
| Editor | $65,740 | $31.61 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Writers and Authors | $75,760 | $36.42 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $77,180 | $37.11 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $51,000 | $24.52 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $69,100 | $33.22 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,970 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $60,210 | $28.95 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,970 | $18.26 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $108,180 | $52.01 |
| Producers and Directors | $76,290 | $36.68 |
| Interior Designer | $59,210 | $28.47 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $62,910 | $30.24 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, 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 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The median salary for technical writers in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area is $92,390 a year, or $44.42 an hour. Pay ranges from $62,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,070 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn at least $127,070 a year. The top 25% earn $110,780 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $62,050 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $69,370 or less.
How many technical writers work in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
About 560 technical writers are employed in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.