Technical Writer salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Technical Writers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn a median of $81,540 a year ($39.20 an hour), based on BLS data for 460 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $143,010 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $90,390. Pay here is 3% lower than the Oregon statewide median of $84,000. There are 0.38 technical writers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $94,660, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for technical writers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,990 | $28.36 |
| 25th percentile | $70,640 | $33.96 |
| Median | $81,540 | $39.20 |
| 75th percentile | $119,930 | $57.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $143,010 | $68.76 |
| Average (mean) | $94,660 | $45.51 |
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 | $6,795 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,397.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,136.15 |
| Weekly | $1,568.08 |
| Hourly | $39.20 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $81,540 salary, see how much house you can afford in Oregon 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $119,160 | 80 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $107,580 | 1,220 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $85,050 | 50 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $84,300 | 70 |
| Salem, OR | $84,000 | 50 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $77,210 | 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 Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $78,380 | $37.68 |
| Editor | $75,430 | $36.26 |
| Writers and Authors | $87,560 | $42.10 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $60,960 | $29.31 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $57,600 | $27.69 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,970 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $75,650 | $36.37 |
| Producers and Directors | $88,450 | $42.52 |
| Art Director | $145,410 | $69.91 |
| Interior Designer | $73,700 | $35.44 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $47,040 | $22.61 |
| Floral Designer | $46,420 | $22.32 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $56,870 | $27.34 |
| Photographer | $59,220 | $28.47 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median salary for technical writers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area is $81,540 a year, or $39.20 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $143,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid technical writers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The top 10% of technical writers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area earn at least $143,010 a year. The top 25% earn $119,930 or more.
What is the starting pay for technical writers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,990 a year, and a quarter of technical writers earn $70,640 or less.
How many technical writers work in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
About 460 technical writers are employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.