📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Writer and Author Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$104,058
per year
Median
$89,858
per year
Hourly
$50.03
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$56,701
25th Percentile — Junior$83,113
50th Percentile — Median$89,858
75th Percentile — Senior$142,540
90th Percentile — Top Earners$167,585
💡 Top-earning Writer and Authors in California make up to $167,585 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$87.6k
2021
$90.7k
2022
$93.9k
2023
$97.1k
2024
$100.5k
2025
$104.1k
2026
📈 Writer and Author salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Writer and Author Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $161,290 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $154,006 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $178,980 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $192,507 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $112,383 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $126,951 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $150,884 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $112,383 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $147,762 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $145,681 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $133,194 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $122,788 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $161,290 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $122,788 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $116,545 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $126,951 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $119,667 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $154,006 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $166,493 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Writer and Author Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Writer and Authors. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $104,058 per year, California's Writer and Author salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $56,701–$83,113, while experienced Writer and Authors can command $142,540–$167,585.

Looking ahead, the Writer and Author profession in California is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Writer and Author salary in California is $104,058 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $73,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Writer and Authors the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Writer and Author employment.
  • At $104,058/year, California Writer and Author salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $73,280/year.