Technical Writer salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Technical Writers in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area earn a median of $78,160 a year ($37.58 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $62,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,730 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $90,390. There are 0.20 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.70). The average (mean) salary is $86,190, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Portland-South Portland, ME
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $62,630 | $30.11 |
| 25th percentile | $72,370 | $34.79 |
| Median | $78,160 | $37.58 |
| 75th percentile | $99,460 | $47.82 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $128,730 | $61.89 |
| Average (mean) | $86,190 | $41.44 |
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 | $6,513.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,256.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,006.15 |
| Weekly | $1,503.08 |
| Hourly | $37.58 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $78,160 salary, see how much house you can afford in Maine at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 Portland-South Portland, ME
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,330 | $32.85 |
| Editor | $50,180 | $24.12 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $50,390 | $24.23 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $45,910 | $22.07 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $39,500 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $46,540 | $22.37 |
| Graphic Designer | $67,650 | $32.53 |
| Producers and Directors | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| Floral Designer | $35,930 | $17.27 |
| Interior Designer | $66,260 | $31.86 |
| Photographer | $47,720 | $22.94 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $74,480 | $35.81 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,540 | $24.30 |
| Broadcast Technician | $54,950 | $26.42 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Portland-South Portland, ME
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 Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median salary for technical writers in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area is $78,160 a year, or $37.58 an hour. Pay ranges from $62,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $128,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area earn at least $128,730 a year. The top 25% earn $99,460 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Portland-South Portland, ME?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $62,630 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $72,370 or less.
How many technical writers work in Portland-South Portland, ME?
About 60 technical writers are employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area, not counting the self-employed.