Technical Writers in Michigan
Thinking about a career as a Technical Writers in Michigan? Here’s what the data says. Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
What do Technical Writers Make in Michigan?
For technical writers working in Michigan, the typical annual salary is $78,750 per year (or roughly $37.86/hour).Earnings range from $47,330 at the 10th percentile to $123,710 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,330 | $22.76 |
| 25th percentile | $60,320 | $29.00 |
| Median (50th) | $78,750 | $37.86 |
| 75th percentile | $101,760 | $48.93 |
| 90th percentile | $123,710 | $59.47 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Michigan compared to the national average — is 0.74, indicating fewer technical writers per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, technical writers earn a median of $52,099 per year ($25.05/hour), exceeding the Michigan median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 371,429 technical writers nationwide. In Michigan alone, about 1,170 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 680 technical writers.
Top Michigan Metros for Technical Writers
These are the Michigan metros with the most technical writers in Michigan.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 630 | $82,220 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | 100 | $61,200 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 60 | $81,340 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 50 | $78,780 |
Top States for Technical Writers Employment
These states have the highest employment of technical writers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 13,210 |
| Texas | 3,670 |
| Florida | 2,590 |
| Virginia | 2,520 |
| New York | 2,030 |
| North Carolina | 2,000 |
| Colorado | 1,820 |
| Maryland | 1,770 |
| Massachusetts | 1,750 |
| Georgia | 1,710 |
| Washington | 1,680 |
| Ohio | 1,570 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,390 |
| New Jersey | 1,350 |
| Minnesota | 1,210 |
| Illinois | 1,180 |
| Michigan | 1,170 |
| Indiana | 1,070 |
| Connecticut | 1,040 |
| Alabama | 830 |
Highest-Paying States for Technical Writers
These states pay the most for technical writers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $109,400 |
| Colorado | $103,960 |
| Massachusetts | $102,640 |
| Rhode Island | $100,580 |
| California | $100,440 |
| Maryland | $98,350 |
| Washington | $93,230 |
| New Hampshire | $91,710 |
| District of Columbia | $89,180 |
| North Carolina | $87,330 |
Skills
Top technical writers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for technical writers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
- Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
- Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
- Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
- Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
- Develop or maintain online help documentation.
- Assist in laying out material for publication.
- Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
- Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
- Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
- Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
- Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Processing Information
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Thinking Creatively
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop In-demand technologies: Atlassian Confluence, Atlassian JIRA
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Writing Studies
- Corporate Communications
- Public Relations & Advertising
- Human Sciences Business Services
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to technical writers include:
- Project Management Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Database Administrators
- Computer Programmers
- Software Developers
Also Known As
Assembly Instructions Writer, Clinical Writer, Contracts Writer, Document Specialist, Documentation Designer, Documentation Specialist, Documentation Writer, Engineering Documentation Specialist, Engineering Writer, Grant Writer, Handbook Writer, Health Science Writer, Health Technical Writer, Information Developer, Lexicographer.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 27-3042.00
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