Writers and Authors Salary in California
BLS OEWS May 2025 • 14 metro areas • California
Writers and Authors in California earn a median salary of $79,076 per year on average across 14 metro and nonmetro areas, +9.4% vs the national median of $72,270. An estimated 7,910 writers and authors are employed across California, with salaries ranging from $52,000 to $107,810 depending on location.
$79,076
Avg median salary in California
$107,810
Highest paying metro
$52,000
Lowest paying metro
7,910
Employed in California
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Writers and Authors salaries by city in California
| Metro area | Median salary | 25th pct | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $107,810 | $76,300 | $144,050 | 390 |
| San Francisco, CA | $97,680 | $76,720 | $132,220 | 1,330 |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $96,240 | $76,330 | $182,440 | 40 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $96,120 | $62,680 | $129,840 | 60 |
| Sacramento, CA | $80,470 | $77,220 | $94,990 | 360 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $79,080 | $57,580 | $105,560 | 4,460 |
| Oxnard, CA | $74,830 | $49,030 | $98,660 | 100 |
| Salinas, CA | $73,860 | $55,810 | $88,860 | 30 |
| Bakersfield, CA | $72,810 | $63,460 | $91,810 | 30 |
| San Diego, CA | $71,390 | $64,380 | $101,740 | 670 |
| Fresno, CA | $69,960 | $55,290 | $98,490 | 70 |
| Chico, CA | $68,880 | $55,340 | $80,780 | 30 |
| Riverside, CA | $65,930 | $43,990 | $88,500 | 260 |
| Santa Maria, CA | $52,000 | $52,000 | $75,440 | 80 |