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Technical Writers Salary in California

How much does a Technical Writers make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$100,440
Median Annual Salary
$107,260
Mean Salary
$100,440
Median Salary
$48.29
Hourly Rate
13,210 people work as Technical Writers in California

About This Job: Technical Writers

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Top Skills

Writing
4.88
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.62

Key Knowledge Areas

English Language
4.81
Computers and Electronics
4.29
Administrative
3.76
Communications and Media
3.25
Administration and Management
3.24
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (35.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Technical Writers in California

Salaries for Technical Writers in California range from $80,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $141,130 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $100,440 and $100,440.

Median $100,440
P10: $80,390 P25: $100,440 P75: $100,440 P90: $141,130
10th
$80,390
25th
$100,440
Median
$100,440
75th
$100,440
90th
$141,130
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $80,390 $38.65 $6,699
25th Percentile $100,440 $48.29 $8,370
Median (50th) $100,440 $48.29 $8,370
75th Percentile $100,440 $48.29 $8,370
90th Percentile (Experienced) $141,130 $67.85 $11,760

Note: The mean (average) salary of $107,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Technical Writers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Technical Writers Salary by State

Compare Technical Writers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Technical Writers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Technical Writers in California is $100,440 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $107,260.
What is the salary range for a Technical Writers in California?
Salaries for Technical Writers in California range from $80,390 at the 10th percentile to $141,130 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $100,440 and $100,440.
What is the starting salary for a Technical Writers in California?
Entry-level Technical Writers positions in California typically start around $80,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $100,440 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Technical Writers in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 13,210 people are employed as Technical Writers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Technical Writers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Technical Writers in California is approximately $48.29 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS