Technical Writer salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Technical Writers in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metro area earn a median of $85,050 a year ($40.89 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $70,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,940 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 18% lower than the Washington statewide median of $104,070. There are 0.37 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $97,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $70,160 | $33.73 |
| 25th percentile | $70,160 | $33.73 |
| Median | $85,050 | $40.89 |
| 75th percentile | $110,560 | $53.16 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,940 | $61.51 |
| Average (mean) | $97,240 | $46.75 |
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 | $7,087.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,543.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,271.15 |
| Weekly | $1,635.58 |
| Hourly | $40.89 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $85,050 salary, see how much house you can afford in Washington at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Technical Writer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $119,160 | 80 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $107,580 | 1,220 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $84,300 | 70 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $81,540 | 460 |
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 Washington statewide figures.
Related jobs in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $84,470 | $40.61 |
| Editor | $68,830 | $33.09 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,620 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $67,710 | $32.55 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $45,040 | $21.65 |
| Photographer | $43,550 | $20.94 |
| Producers and Directors | $74,980 | $36.05 |
| Floral Designer | $44,420 | $21.36 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
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 Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median salary for technical writers in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metro area is $85,050 a year, or $40.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $70,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,940 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metro area earn at least $127,940 a year. The top 25% earn $110,560 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $70,160 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $70,160 or less.
How many technical writers work in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
About 50 technical writers are employed in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.