Creative & Education Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Technical Writer Salary in Tennessee

The median technical writer salary in Tennessee is $71,164 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $79,960.

Median Salary
$71,164
vs National
$-8,796
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Technical Writer Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for technical writer compensation. Technical Writer salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $71,164 per year, technical writers in Tennessee earn $8,796 less than the national median of $79,960.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $71,164 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,960 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: technical writers at the 10th percentile earn $44,322, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $114,454 — a $70,132 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $79,960.

Nationally, technical writer employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for technical writers across the country.

Technical Writer Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level technical writer earns around $46,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,020 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,280
$-5,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,020
$-12,980 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $44,322
25th Percentile $56,070
Median (50th) $71,164
75th Percentile $91,492
90th Percentile $114,454

Technical Writer Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for technical writers in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Technical Writer in Tennessee

Education

Most technical writer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Technical WritingDocumentation ToolsInformation ArchitectureEditingAPI DocumentationMarkdown

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, technical writer employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Technical Writer Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Technical Writer make in Tennessee? ▼
The median technical writer salary in Tennessee is $71,164 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $79,960. Salaries range from $44,322 (10th percentile) to $114,454 (90th percentile).
How much does a Technical Writer make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,164, a technical writer in Tennessee earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for technical writers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for technical writer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level technical writers earn $46,280, while senior professionals earn $105,020.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for technical writer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for technical writers is Hawaii at $135,932. Tennessee's median of $71,164 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($71,164) and South Carolina ($71,164).
What is the entry-level technical writer salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level technical writer in Tennessee earns approximately $46,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,020.
What city in Tennessee pays technical writers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for technical writers, with a median salary of $79,960. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.