Technical Writers Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $109,480 +19.4% vs national
Median hourly $52.64
10th percentile $61,970
90th percentile $155,180
Employed locally 60
National median $91,670

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Technical Writers
in
Santa Maria, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $61,970
    25th
    $79,630
    50th (median)
    $109,480
    75th
    $137,450
    90th
    $155,180

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Technical Writers salary vs area income 114% Median Technical Writers salary is 14% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Technical Writers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $182,450
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $135,880
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $130,850
    Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT $125,760
    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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $135,880
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $130,850
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $107,690
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $103,960
    Raleigh-Cary, NC $102,760

    Related occupations in Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $45,020
    Public Relations Specialists $79,110
    Graphic Designers $78,500
    Producers and Directors $77,950
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $42,150
    Interior Designers $79,350

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Technical Writers make per hour in Santa Maria?

    The median hourly wage for Technical Writers in Santa Maria, CA is $52.64, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $71.68 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Maria above or below average for Technical Writers salaries?

    The median Technical Writers salary in Santa Maria, CA is 19.4% 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 Santa Maria?

    Entry-level Technical Writers (10th percentile) earn around $61,970 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $79,630.