Technical Writers Salary in California
In California, technical writers earn $100,440 at the median — $48.29 an hour. The range runs from $80K at the entry level to $141K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $100K get you in California?
About technical writers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level technical writers (10th percentile) start around $80K. Mid-career wages sit at $100K.Top earners bring in $141K or more - a $61K spread from bottom to top.
Technical Writers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $109K | +19% | 1,040 |
| Massachusetts | $103K | +12% | 1,750 |
| Rhode Island | $101K | +10% | 410 |
| California | $100K | +10% | 13,210 |
| Maryland | $98K | +7% | 1,770 |
| Washington | $93K | +2% | 1,680 |
| New Hampshire | $92K | +0% | 170 |
| District of Columbia | $89K | -3% | 550 |
| North Carolina | $87K | -5% | 2,000 |
| New Jersey | $87K | -5% | 1,350 |
| Nevada | $86K | -6% | 200 |
| Virginia | $84K | -8% | 2,520 |
| Vermont | $84K | -9% | 80 |
| Oregon | $83K | -9% | 650 |
| New York | $83K | -9% | 2,030 |
Track technical writers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do technical writers make in California?
The median is $100,440 a year - that works out to about $48.29 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $80,390, and experienced technical writers can clear $141,130. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $100K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,131/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 35.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a technical writers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median technical writers salary is worth about $100,440 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do technical writers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.