Technical Writer salary in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
Technical Writers in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL metro area earn a median of $77,170 a year ($37.10 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,410 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 16% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $66,520. There are 0.33 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $78,510, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,990 | $25.47 |
| 25th percentile | $57,660 | $27.72 |
| Median | $77,170 | $37.10 |
| 75th percentile | $89,630 | $43.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $115,410 | $55.49 |
| Average (mean) | $78,510 | $37.75 |
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 | $6,430.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,215.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,968.08 |
| Weekly | $1,484.04 |
| Hourly | $37.10 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $77,170 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Technical Writer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $89,960 | 790 |
| Peoria, IL | $87,090 | 40 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $80,840 | 200 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $69,450 | 200 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $69,410 | 80 |
| Dubuque, IA | $57,400 | 70 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,880 | $30.23 |
| Editor | $58,050 | $27.91 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $47,070 | $22.63 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,170 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,680 | $19.08 |
| Graphic Designer | $52,500 | $25.24 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $35.65 |
| Floral Designer | $34,280 | $16.48 |
| Producers and Directors | $55,190 | $26.54 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,410 | $23.75 |
| Interior Designer | $52,410 | $25.20 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $74,150 | $35.65 |
| Photographer | $43,100 | $20.72 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
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 Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL?
The median salary for technical writers in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL metro area is $77,170 a year, or $37.10 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,410 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL metro area earn at least $115,410 a year. The top 25% earn $89,630 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,990 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $57,660 or less.
How many technical writers work in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL?
About 60 technical writers are employed in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL metro area, not counting the self-employed.