Technical Writer salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Technical Writers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn a median of $82,670 a year ($39.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,940 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,640 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 3% lower than the Michigan statewide median of $85,270. There are 0.16 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.54). The average (mean) salary is $82,690, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,940 | $28.34 |
| 25th percentile | $64,660 | $31.09 |
| Median | $82,670 | $39.74 |
| 75th percentile | $96,560 | $46.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $111,640 | $53.67 |
| Average (mean) | $82,690 | $39.76 |
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 | $6,889.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,444.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,179.62 |
| Weekly | $1,589.81 |
| Hourly | $39.74 |
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 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $89,840 | 60 |
| 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 Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,550 | $34.40 |
| Editor | $65,400 | $31.44 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $50,400 | $24.23 |
| Writers and Authors | $61,980 | $29.80 |
| Graphic Designer | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $51,270 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,350 | $17.48 |
| Producers and Directors | $72,350 | $34.79 |
| Photographer | $46,270 | $22.25 |
| Art Director | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| Floral Designer | $36,680 | $17.64 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $51,080 | $24.56 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,160 | $38.54 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $28.69 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Lansing-East Lansing, 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 Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median salary for technical writers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area is $82,670 a year, or $39.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,940 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn at least $111,640 a year. The top 25% earn $96,560 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,940 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $64,660 or less.
How many technical writers work in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
About 30 technical writers are employed in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.