For informational purposes only. Not financial or career advice. Rates vary by experience and market.
Freelance Technical Writer Rates in Remote (US)
Data-driven rate insights to help you price your services confidently.
Entry Level
$50
/hour
Mid-Range
$90
/hour
Expert Level
$150
/hour
Annual Equivalent (40hrs/week)
Entry
$104,000
Mid
$187,200
Expert
$312,000
Based on 2,080 billable hours/year (actual may be 1,500-1,800 after admin, marketing, and time off)
Rates by Experience Level
Core Skills
- Technical documentation
- API documentation
- User manuals
- Knowledge base content
- Markdown/docs-as-code
- Information architecture
- Developer documentation
Premium Skills (+20-50%)
- API reference documentation
- Developer experience (DevRel)
- DITA/structured authoring
- Video documentation
- AI/ML documentation
Top Industries
Typical Clients
Rate Setting Tips
These are general suggestions, not professional advice. Your situation may differ.
- API and developer documentation commands highest rates
- Docs-as-code skills (Git, Markdown) are increasingly valued
- Healthcare and regulated industries pay premium for accuracy
- Package documentation audits with writing for higher value
- Video documentation is an emerging premium skill
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Pricing like a generalist writer instead of technical specialist
- Not learning developer tools (Git, IDEs, APIs)
- Accepting unlimited revision scopes
- Undervaluing research and SME interview time
Negotiation Tips
- Show sample documentation from similar tech stacks
- Offer documentation audits as discovery phases
- Include maintenance/updates in proposals
- Emphasize developer experience improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
What do freelance technical writers charge?
Freelance technical writers charge $50-150/hr. Mid-level writers average $90/hr, with API documentation specialists earning $125-150/hr.
What type of technical writing pays the most?
API documentation, developer documentation, and healthcare/medical writing command the highest rates. DITA expertise also adds premium value.
Do I need to know how to code to be a technical writer?
You don't need to be a programmer, but understanding code basics, APIs, and developer tools significantly increases your value and rates.
Is technical writing fully remote-friendly?
Yes, technical writing is one of the most remote-friendly fields. Most work is async, involving documentation tools and occasional SME interviews.
What tools should technical writers know?
Git/GitHub, Markdown, documentation platforms (ReadMe, GitBook, Docusaurus), and familiarity with developer IDEs. DITA is valuable for enterprise work.
Methodology
Rates compiled from remote job postings, freelancer surveys, and platform data. Remote work allows location-independent pricing.
Data Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024
- Write the Docs Salary Survey 2024
- STC Technical Communication Salary Database
- Contently Rate Report 2024
Important Disclaimer
These rates are estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates vary based on experience, skills, client industry, and negotiation. This is not financial advice.
Rate estimates are not guarantees. Actual rates depend on your specific experience, portfolio, negotiation skills, client budget, and market conditions.
This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a financial advisor or career counselor for personalized guidance on pricing and business decisions.
Data limitations: Freelance rates are notoriously difficult to benchmark accurately. Our data is compiled from multiple sources but may not reflect your specific market segment.
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