Technical Writer salary in Dubuque, IA
Technical Writers in the Dubuque, IA metro area earn a median of $57,400 a year ($27.60 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,750 for the lowest-paid 10% to $88,530 for the top 10%. That is 36% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 14% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $66,520. There are 1.2 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 4.1× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $67,330, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Dubuque, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,750 | $25.36 |
| 25th percentile | $52,750 | $25.36 |
| Median | $57,400 | $27.60 |
| 75th percentile | $83,590 | $40.19 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $88,530 | $42.56 |
| Average (mean) | $67,330 | $32.37 |
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 | $4,783.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,391.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,207.69 |
| Weekly | $1,103.85 |
| Hourly | $27.60 |
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 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $69,410 | 80 |
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 Dubuque, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,180 | $30.86 |
| Editor | $60,980 | $29.32 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,840 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $48,620 | $23.38 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,620 | $20.49 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $64,690 | $31.10 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Dubuque, 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 Dubuque, IA?
The median salary for technical writers in the Dubuque, IA metro area is $57,400 a year, or $27.60 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,750 for the lowest-paid 10% to $88,530 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Dubuque, IA?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Dubuque, IA metro area earn at least $88,530 a year. The top 25% earn $83,590 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Dubuque, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,750 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $52,750 or less.
How many technical writers work in Dubuque, IA?
About 70 technical writers are employed in the Dubuque, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.