Writers and Authors Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $71,390 -1.2% vs national
Median hourly $34.32
10th percentile $47,410
90th percentile $155,480
Employed locally 670
National median $72,270

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Writers and Authors
in
San Diego, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,410
    25th
    $64,380
    50th (median)
    $71,390
    75th
    $101,740
    90th
    $155,480

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Writers and Authors salary vs area income 70% Median Writers and Authors salary is 30% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Writers and Authors

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $121,160
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $107,810
    Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $107,590
    Maryland $107,540
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $106,340
    Fort Collins-Loveland, CO $102,570

    Nearby metros — Writers and Authors salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $107,810
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,680
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $96,240
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $96,120
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $80,470
    California $80,470

    Related occupations in San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $45,490
    Public Relations Specialists $77,290
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $40,290
    Producers and Directors $88,090
    Art Directors $112,400
    Editors $76,160

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Writers and Authors make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Writers and Authors in San Diego, CA is $34.32, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $78.77 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Writers and Authors salaries?

    The median Writers and Authors salary in San Diego, CA is 1.2% below the national median of $72,270. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Writers and Authors in San Diego?

    Entry-level Writers and Authors (10th percentile) earn around $47,410 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $64,380.