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Technical Writer Salary in Ames, IA

How much does a technical writer make in Ames? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Ames's cost of living.

Median Salary
$52,301
per year in Ames
Entry Level
$31,891
Starting salary
Senior Level
$71,436
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
91
9% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how technical writer salaries break down across different pay periods in Ames.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$31,891$52,301$71,436
Monthly$2,658$4,358$5,953
Biweekly$1,227$2,012$2,748
Weekly$613$1,006$1,374
Hourly$15$25$34

Ames vs National Average

How Ames's technical writer salaries compare to national figures.

Ames Salary
$52,301
COL Index: 91
National Average
$70,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$17,789
Lower in Ames

Cost of Living in Ames

1-Bedroom Rent
$820
per month
Median Income
$35,623
per year
Population
66,427
residents
Rent % of Income
27.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 91 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ames have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Technical Writer

Overview

Create technical documentation and user guides for software and products.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing or related field

Key Skills

Technical DocumentationUser ManualsAPI DocumentationMarkdown

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +15% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Technical Writer Salary

See Technical Writer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$83,580
+60%
Los Angeles, CA
$100,440
+92%
Chicago, IL
$80,240
+53%
Houston, TX
$79,060
+51%
Phoenix, AZ
$82,110
+57%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Technical Writer Salary in Ames, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a technical writer in Ames, IA is $52,301 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 91. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ames's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level technical writer professionals in Ames can expect to earn around $31,891 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level technical writers earning approximately $71,436 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ames's cost of living index of 91 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Ames are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $70,090, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a technical writer's salary in Ames typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $820 per month, housing represents about 18.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Technical Writers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 15% over the next decade. In Ames, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.