Technical Writer salary in Salem, OR
Technical Writers in the Salem, OR metro area earn a median of $84,000 a year ($40.38 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $65,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,280 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is about the same as the Oregon statewide median of $84,000. There are 0.25 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $88,310, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Salem, OR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,360 | $31.42 |
| 25th percentile | $70,880 | $34.08 |
| Median | $84,000 | $40.38 |
| 75th percentile | $94,590 | $45.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,280 | $61.19 |
| Average (mean) | $88,310 | $42.46 |
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 other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
See Technical Writer pay in every state or the Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salem, OR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $87,740 | $42.18 |
| Editor | $80,650 | $38.77 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $80,960 | $38.92 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,400 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $65,720 | $31.59 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,750 | $21.04 |
| Floral Designer | $45,120 | $21.69 |
| Interior Designer | $64,750 | $31.13 |
| Producers and Directors | $98,900 | $47.55 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $64,790 | $31.15 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $56,730 | $27.27 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Salem, OR
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 Salem, OR?
The median salary for technical writers in the Salem, OR metro area is $84,000 a year, or $40.38 an hour. Pay ranges from $65,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,280 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Salem, OR?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Salem, OR metro area earn at least $127,280 a year. The top 25% earn $94,590 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Salem, OR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $65,360 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $70,880 or less.
How many technical writers work in Salem, OR?
About 50 technical writers are employed in the Salem, OR metro area, not counting the self-employed.