Technical Writer salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Technical Writers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $90,710 a year ($43.61 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $59,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $132,030 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 14% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $79,550. There are 0.13 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.45). The average (mean) salary is $89,640, close to the median.
Pay range for technical writers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $59,540 | $28.62 |
| 25th percentile | $67,130 | $32.28 |
| Median | $90,710 | $43.61 |
| 75th percentile | $107,660 | $51.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $132,030 | $63.48 |
| Average (mean) | $89,640 | $43.10 |
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 | $7,559.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,779.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,488.85 |
| Weekly | $1,744.42 |
| Hourly | $43.61 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN | $101,430 | 100 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $79,550 | 170 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $61,860 | 80 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $61,180 | n/a |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,000 | $29.33 |
| Writers and Authors | $58,480 | $28.12 |
| Editor | $56,420 | $27.13 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $45,570 | $21.91 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $66,720 | $32.08 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $31,160 | $14.98 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,440 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $59,000 | $28.37 |
| Producers and Directors | $60,440 | $29.06 |
| Interior Designer | $58,600 | $28.17 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,170 | $22.68 |
| Floral Designer | $37,580 | $18.07 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for technical writers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $90,710 a year, or $43.61 an hour. Pay ranges from $59,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $132,030 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $132,030 a year. The top 25% earn $107,660 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $59,540 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $67,130 or less.
How many technical writers work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 80 technical writers are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.