Technical Writers Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $135,880 +48.2% vs national
Median hourly $65.33
10th percentile $71,690
90th percentile $212,480
Employed locally 940
National median $91,670

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Technical Writers
in
San Jose, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $71,690
    25th
    $102,900
    50th (median)
    $135,880
    75th
    $171,110
    90th
    $212,480

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Technical Writers salary vs area income 86% Median Technical Writers salary is 14% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Technical Writers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $182,450
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $130,850
    Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT $125,760
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $109,480
    Connecticut $109,400
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $107,690

    Nearby metros — Technical Writers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $182,450
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $130,850
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $109,480
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $107,690
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $103,960
    Raleigh-Cary, NC $102,760

    Related occupations in San Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $54,520
    Public Relations Specialists $101,200
    Graphic Designers $98,530
    Art Directors $170,760
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $45,110
    Editors $96,270

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Technical Writers make per hour in San Jose?

    The median hourly wage for Technical Writers in San Jose, CA is $65.33, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $101.86 or more per hour.

    Is San Jose above or below average for Technical Writers salaries?

    The median Technical Writers salary in San Jose, CA is 48.2% above the national median of $91,670. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Technical Writers in San Jose?

    Entry-level Technical Writers (10th percentile) earn around $71,690 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $102,900.