Technical Writer salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Technical Writers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $83,480 a year ($40.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 490 workers.
Pay ranges from $62,100 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,810 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 5% higher than the Arizona statewide median of $79,780. There are 0.21 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.71). The average (mean) salary is $89,840, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $62,100 | $29.86 |
| 25th percentile | $69,110 | $33.23 |
| Median | $83,480 | $40.14 |
| 75th percentile | $106,480 | $51.19 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,810 | $60.00 |
| Average (mean) | $89,840 | $43.19 |
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 | $6,956.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,478.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,210.77 |
| Weekly | $1,605.38 |
| Hourly | $40.14 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $75,070 | 140 |
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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,490 | $33.89 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,070 | $24.07 |
| Editor | $64,970 | $31.23 |
| Writers and Authors | $58,870 | $28.31 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $47,820 | $22.99 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $58,560 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $59,090 | $28.41 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Interior Designer | $61,810 | $29.72 |
| Photographer | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| Producers and Directors | $72,740 | $34.97 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,150 | $22.67 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $50,070 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median salary for technical writers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $83,480 a year, or $40.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $62,100 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $124,810 a year. The top 25% earn $106,480 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $62,100 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $69,110 or less.
How many technical writers work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 490 technical writers are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.