Technical Writer salary in Oregon
Technical Writers in Oregon earn a median of $84,000 a year ($40.38 an hour), based on BLS data for 590 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $150,220 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $90,390. Oregon ranks 23rd of 45 states for technical writers pay. There are 0.30 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $95,890, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Oregon
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,990 | $28.36 |
| 25th percentile | $69,880 | $33.59 |
| Median | $84,000 | $40.38 |
| 75th percentile | $122,100 | $58.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $150,220 | $72.22 |
| Average (mean) | $95,890 | $46.10 |
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 | $7,000 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,500 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,230.77 |
| Weekly | $1,615.38 |
| Hourly | $40.38 |
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 Oregon
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR | $84,000 | 50 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $81,540 | 460 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $77,210 | 30 |
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 Oregon
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,900 | $36.01 |
| Editor | $71,540 | $34.39 |
| Writers and Authors | $80,540 | $38.72 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $66,300 | $31.88 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $49,200 | $23.65 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $46,190 | $22.21 |
| Graphic Designer | $66,040 | $31.75 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,960 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $87,460 | $42.05 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Art Director | $133,840 | $64.34 |
| Interior Designer | $66,350 | $31.90 |
| Floral Designer | $44,730 | $21.51 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Oregon
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 Oregon?
The median salary for technical writers in Oregon is $84,000 a year, or $40.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $150,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Oregon?
The top 10% of technical writers in Oregon earn at least $150,220 a year. The top 25% earn $122,100 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Oregon?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,990 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $69,880 or less.
How many technical writers work in Oregon?
About 590 technical writers are employed in Oregon, not counting the self-employed.