Technical Communicator Salaries

Technical communicator salaries vary widely depending on the geographic location, requirements of the position, and experience of the applicant.

One source of information regarding technical communicator salaries in the U.S. and its territories is the STC Salary Database. As described on the STC Web site, “the data in the Salary Database are drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics (OES)… Data are provided for technical writers in 84 industries, eleven combined statistical areas, 159 metropolitan areas, and twelve non-metropolitan areas… The BLS data in the Salary Database are broken down into percentiles that offer insight into what technical writers at different stages of their careers can expect to earn.”

In hiring technical communicators, it is important to look for qualified people. Note that the low end of the salary ranges reflected in the STC Salary Database may very well represent some entry-level people who were hired with no formal training in technical communication. Years ago it may have sufficed to hire someone for a “technical writer” position based solely on their “potential.” In today’s demanding and multi-faceted world of technical communication, however, a firm educational foundation in the core competencies is highly recommended, and hiring managers should bear this in mind when determining appropriate salary ranges.

Note: Access to the STC Salary Database is an exclusive STC member benefit and not available to nonmembers.

Credits

Karla Busch. This page was created for the persona of Kate Watkins.