Technical Writer salary in Rochester, NY
Technical Writers in the Rochester, NY metro area earn a median of $78,370 a year ($37.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,530 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 20% lower than the New York statewide median of $98,310. There are 0.13 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.46). The average (mean) salary is $81,810, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Rochester, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,930 | $28.33 |
| 25th percentile | $60,520 | $29.10 |
| Median | $78,370 | $37.68 |
| 75th percentile | $90,460 | $43.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $120,530 | $57.95 |
| Average (mean) | $81,810 | $39.33 |
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 | $6,530.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,265.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,014.23 |
| Weekly | $1,507.12 |
| Hourly | $37.68 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $111,050 | 2,170 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $90,500 | 80 |
| Syracuse, NY | $84,520 | 80 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $78,300 | 80 |
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 New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rochester, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,740 | $34.49 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $77,770 | $37.39 |
| Editor | $76,620 | $36.84 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| Writers and Authors | $68,600 | $32.98 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $58,180 | $27.97 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $50,850 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $63,530 | $30.54 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,700 | $19.57 |
| Producers and Directors | $83,030 | $39.92 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,000 | $26.44 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $46.86 |
| Art Director | $102,070 | $49.07 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $84,130 | $40.45 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, NY
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 Rochester, NY?
The median salary for technical writers in the Rochester, NY metro area is $78,370 a year, or $37.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,530 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Rochester, NY?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Rochester, NY metro area earn at least $120,530 a year. The top 25% earn $90,460 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Rochester, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,930 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $60,520 or less.
How many technical writers work in Rochester, NY?
About 70 technical writers are employed in the Rochester, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.