Technical Writer salary in Tucson, AZ
Technical Writers in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn a median of $75,070 a year ($36.09 an hour), based on BLS data for 140 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,260 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 6% lower than the Arizona statewide median of $79,780. There are 0.36 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $77,340, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Tucson, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,900 | $28.32 |
| 25th percentile | $61,180 | $29.42 |
| Median | $75,070 | $36.09 |
| 75th percentile | $90,270 | $43.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,260 | $48.20 |
| Average (mean) | $77,340 | $37.18 |
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 | $6,255.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,127.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,887.31 |
| Weekly | $1,443.65 |
| Hourly | $36.09 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $83,480 | 490 |
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 Tucson, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,630 | $29.63 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $57,920 | $27.85 |
| Editor | $59,420 | $28.57 |
| Writers and Authors | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $79,640 | $38.29 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,080 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $57,710 | $27.74 |
| Producers and Directors | $64,530 | $31.03 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,010 | $20.68 |
| Interior Designer | $58,110 | $27.94 |
| Broadcast Technician | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| Actor | — | $18.12 |
| Floral Designer | $34,560 | $16.61 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tucson, 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 Tucson, AZ?
The median salary for technical writers in the Tucson, AZ metro area is $75,070 a year, or $36.09 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,900 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,260 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Tucson, AZ?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn at least $100,260 a year. The top 25% earn $90,270 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Tucson, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,900 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $61,180 or less.
How many technical writers work in Tucson, AZ?
About 140 technical writers are employed in the Tucson, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.