Technical Writer salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Technical Writers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $69,450 a year ($33.39 an hour), based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $55,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,830 for the top 10%. That is 23% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 4% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $66,520. There are 0.51 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.7× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $75,770, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,850 | $26.85 |
| 25th percentile | $63,060 | $30.32 |
| Median | $69,450 | $33.39 |
| 75th percentile | $83,760 | $40.27 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,830 | $48.00 |
| Average (mean) | $75,770 | $36.43 |
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 | $5,787.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,893.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,671.15 |
| Weekly | $1,335.58 |
| Hourly | $33.39 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $69,450 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $77,170 | 60 |
| 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,660 | $33.97 |
| Editor | $63,720 | $30.64 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,400 | $26.63 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $54,230 | $26.07 |
| Writers and Authors | $63,010 | $30.29 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $37,770 | $18.16 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $82,040 | $39.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,710 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $56,520 | $27.17 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Producers and Directors | $62,370 | $29.99 |
| Interior Designer | $57,840 | $27.81 |
| Photographer | $42,080 | $20.23 |
| Art Director | $90,000 | $43.27 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for technical writers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $69,450 a year, or $33.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $55,850 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $99,830 a year. The top 25% earn $83,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $55,850 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $63,060 or less.
How many technical writers work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 200 technical writers are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.