Technical Writer salary in Tennessee
Technical Writers in Tennessee earn a median of $79,550 a year ($38.24 an hour), based on BLS data for 480 workers.
Pay ranges from $50,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $108,890 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $90,390. Tennessee ranks 33rd of 45 states for technical writers pay. There are 0.15 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.50). The average (mean) salary is $82,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,430 | $24.24 |
| 25th percentile | $63,540 | $30.55 |
| Median | $79,550 | $38.24 |
| 75th percentile | $102,430 | $49.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $108,890 | $52.35 |
| Average (mean) | $82,580 | $39.70 |
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 | $6,629.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,314.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,059.62 |
| Weekly | $1,529.81 |
| Hourly | $38.24 |
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 Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN | $101,430 | 100 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $90,710 | 80 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $79,550 | 170 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,900 | $29.28 |
| Editor | $59,550 | $28.63 |
| Writers and Authors | $58,870 | $28.30 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $48,290 | $23.22 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $51,080 | $24.56 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $45,670 | $21.96 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,390 | $29.99 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,780 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,500 | $16.59 |
| Graphic Designer | $57,270 | $27.54 |
| Producers and Directors | $73,020 | $35.11 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,970 | $24.02 |
| Interior Designer | $63,660 | $30.61 |
| Art Director | $89,860 | $43.20 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for technical writers in Tennessee is $79,550 a year, or $38.24 an hour. Pay ranges from $50,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $108,890 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of technical writers in Tennessee earn at least $108,890 a year. The top 25% earn $102,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $50,430 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $63,540 or less.
How many technical writers work in Tennessee?
About 480 technical writers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.