California ranks 5th of 48 states and D.C. for technical writers pay, trailing top-paying Connecticut ($109,400) by $8,960 — a 9% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $80,390 to $141,130 — a $60,740 spread, 20% tighter than the national $76,030 range.
Technical Writers are more concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.03 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.03× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $80,390 | $38.65 |
| 25th percentile | $100,440 | $48.29 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $100,440 | $48.29 |
| 75th percentile | $100,440 | $48.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $141,130 | $67.85 |
| Mean (average) | $107,260 | $51.57 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $100,440 | n/a |
| Connecticut | $109,400 | +9% |
| Colorado | $103,960 | +4% |
| Massachusetts | $102,640 | +2% |
| Rhode Island | $100,580 | +0% |
| Maryland | $98,350 | -2% |
| Washington | $93,230 | -7% |
| New Hampshire | $91,710 | -9% |
| District of Columbia | $89,180 | -11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and Building Inspectors | $101,160 | 14,010 |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $101,250 | 12,190 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $99,530 | 14,600 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $99,270 | 6,850 |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,010 | 6,120 |
| Management Analysts | $102,110 | 136,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Technical Writers salary in California?
The mean technical writers salary in California is $107,260 per year. The median (middle) salary is $100,440 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Technical Writers in California?
Entry-level technical writerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $80,390 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $100,440 per year.
What is the highest Technical Writers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $141,130 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $100,440 per year.
How does the California Technical Writers salary compare to the national average?
The median technical writers salary in California is $100,440, which is +10% above national average of $91,670.