Technical Writer salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Technical Writers in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metro area earn a median of $79,080 a year ($38.02 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $55,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,930 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 7% lower than the Michigan statewide median of $85,270. There are 0.17 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.58). The average (mean) salary is $85,070, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,290 | $26.58 |
| 25th percentile | $63,060 | $30.32 |
| Median | $79,080 | $38.02 |
| 75th percentile | $104,620 | $50.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $115,930 | $55.74 |
| Average (mean) | $85,070 | $40.90 |
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 | $6,590 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,295 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,041.54 |
| Weekly | $1,520.77 |
| Hourly | $38.02 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $79,080 salary, see how much house you can afford in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $92,390 | 560 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $89,840 | 60 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $82,670 | 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 Michigan statewide figures.
Related jobs in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $59,770 | $28.74 |
| Editor | $61,860 | $29.74 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $51,030 | $24.53 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $51,480 | $24.75 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $65,000 | $31.25 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,630 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,410 | $17.02 |
| Graphic Designer | $57,870 | $27.82 |
| Floral Designer | $35,760 | $17.19 |
| Interior Designer | $60,440 | $29.06 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $79,410 | $38.18 |
| Producers and Directors | $62,160 | $29.89 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $58,740 | $28.24 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median salary for technical writers in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metro area is $79,080 a year, or $38.02 an hour. Pay ranges from $55,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metro area earn at least $115,930 a year. The top 25% earn $104,620 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $55,290 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $63,060 or less.
How many technical writers work in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
About 100 technical writers are employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.