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Writers and Authors Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Writers and Authors make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$86,480
Median Annual Salary
▲
+7.5% vs 2024
$106,560
Mean Salary
$86,480
Median Salary
$41.58
Hourly Rate
8,390 people work as Writers and Authors in California
Writers and Authors salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Writers and Authors in California earn a median salary of $86,480 per year ($7,206/month).
This is 22.3% above the national average of $70,716.
California ranks #6 out of 43 states for Writers and Authors pay.
Approximately 8,390 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 7.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Writers and Authors
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Top Skills
Writing
4.75
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
4.89
Sales and Marketing
4.3
Communications and Media
4.2
Customer and Personal Service
4.01
Computers and Electronics
3.54
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(46.1% of workers)
Salaries for Writers and Authors in California range from $56,730 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $193,080 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $75,530 and $127,870.
How much do Writers and Authors make in California?
The median annual salary for Writers and Authors in California is $86,480 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $106,560.
What is the salary range for a Writers and Authors in California?
Salaries for Writers and Authors in California range from $56,730 at the 10th percentile to $193,080 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $75,530 and $127,870.
What is the starting salary for a Writers and Authors in California?
Entry-level Writers and Authors positions in California typically start around $56,730 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $75,530 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Writers and Authors in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 8,390 people are employed as Writers and Authors in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Writers and Authors in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Writers and Authors in California is approximately $41.58 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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