Technical Writer salary in Knoxville, TN
Technical Writers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $101,430 a year ($48.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,750 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,310 for the top 10%. That is 12% higher than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 28% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $79,550. There are 0.23 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.79). The average (mean) salary is $89,120, close to the median.
Pay range for technical writers in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,750 | $25.36 |
| 25th percentile | $63,780 | $30.66 |
| Median | $101,430 | $48.77 |
| 75th percentile | $102,430 | $49.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $121,310 | $58.32 |
| Average (mean) | $89,120 | $42.85 |
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 | $8,452.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,226.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,901.15 |
| Weekly | $1,950.58 |
| Hourly | $48.77 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $90,710 | 80 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $79,550 | 170 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $57,360 | $27.58 |
| Writers and Authors | $63,080 | $30.33 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $64,770 | $31.14 |
| Editor | $59,630 | $28.67 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $61,020 | $29.34 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $42,520 | $20.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $36,670 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,970 | $16.81 |
| Graphic Designer | $56,720 | $27.27 |
| Producers and Directors | $58,660 | $28.20 |
| Interior Designer | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| Floral Designer | $36,040 | $17.33 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,200 | $33.75 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
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 Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for technical writers in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $101,430 a year, or $48.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,750 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,310 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $121,310 a year. The top 25% earn $102,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,750 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $63,780 or less.
How many technical writers work in Knoxville, TN?
About 100 technical writers are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.