Technical Writers Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Median annual salary $182,450 +99% vs national
Median hourly $87.72
10th percentile $77,490
90th percentile $215,070
Employed locally 30
National median $91,670

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Technical Writers
in
San Luis Obispo, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $77,490
    25th
    $93,600
    50th (median)
    $182,450
    75th
    $182,450
    90th
    $215,070

    San Luis Obispo economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,398 2023 • Census ACS
    Technical Writers salary vs area income 195% Median Technical Writers salary is 95% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Technical Writers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $135,880
    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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $135,880
    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 Luis Obispo, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $45,660
    Public Relations Specialists $72,220
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $44,240
    Producers and Directors $77,820
    Editors $79,360
    Interpreters and Translators $53,570

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Technical Writers make per hour in San Luis Obispo?

    The median hourly wage for Technical Writers in San Luis Obispo, CA is $87.72, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $103.40 or more per hour.

    Is San Luis Obispo above or below average for Technical Writers salaries?

    The median Technical Writers salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is 99% 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 Luis Obispo?

    Entry-level Technical Writers (10th percentile) earn around $77,490 per year in San Luis Obispo, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $93,600.