Technical Writer salary in Michigan
Technical Writers in Michigan earn a median of $85,270 a year ($40.99 an hour), based on BLS data for 970 workers.
Pay ranges from $57,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,070 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $90,390. Michigan ranks 22nd of 45 states for technical writers pay. There are 0.22 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.75). The average (mean) salary is $90,780, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $57,600 | $27.69 |
| 25th percentile | $66,810 | $32.12 |
| Median | $85,270 | $40.99 |
| 75th percentile | $107,520 | $51.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,070 | $61.09 |
| Average (mean) | $90,780 | $43.64 |
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 | $7,105.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,552.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,279.62 |
| Weekly | $1,639.81 |
| Hourly | $40.99 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Technical Writer salary in cities in Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $92,390 | 560 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $65,300 | $31.39 |
| Editor | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,760 | $30.17 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $45,310 | $21.78 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $46,640 | $22.42 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $61,600 | $29.62 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $58,720 | $28.23 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,050 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $57,350 | $27.57 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,710 | $17.65 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $102,160 | $49.12 |
| Producers and Directors | $65,720 | $31.60 |
| Interior Designer | $59,340 | $28.53 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $58,300 | $28.03 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for technical writers in Michigan is $85,270 a year, or $40.99 an hour. Pay ranges from $57,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,070 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Michigan?
The top 10% of technical writers in Michigan earn at least $127,070 a year. The top 25% earn $107,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $57,600 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $66,810 or less.
How many technical writers work in Michigan?
About 970 technical writers are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.