SalaryVista

Writers and Authors Salary Guide for California

writers and authors working in California earn an average of $129,340.00 per year, based on the latest available data.

Key Statistics

Total Employment
12,000
Annual Mean Salary
$129,340.00
Hourly Rate
$62.18
Estimated Monthly*
$9,948.80
*Based on 40-hour work week

California vs National Salary Trends

The chart below compares California's writers and authors salaries against national figures. This comparison helps you understand if California offers competitive compensation and how local market conditions affect wages in this field.

California demonstrates a strong upward salary trend for writers and authors, surpassing the national average. This indicates a favorable market for professionals in the field within the state.

Local Market Analysis

Salaries for writers and authors can vary significantly within California. The breakdown below shows how compensation differs across metropolitan and rural areas, helping you identify the most financially rewarding locations in the state.

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim

Annual Mean Salary
$131,400.00
Hourly Rate
$63.18

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara

Annual Mean Salary
$128,100.00
Hourly Rate
$61.59
Employment
330 professionals
script

Santa Maria-Santa Barbara

Annual Mean Salary
$117,270.00
Hourly Rate
$56.38
Employment
60 professionals
script

San Diego-Carlsbad

Annual Mean Salary
$96,980.00
Hourly Rate
$46.63
Employment
590 professionals
script

Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade

Annual Mean Salary
$89,790.00
Hourly Rate
$43.17
Employment
360 professionals
script

San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande

Annual Mean Salary
$88,620.00
Hourly Rate
$42.61
Employment
40 professionals
script

Santa Cruz-Watsonville

Annual Mean Salary
$86,200.00
Hourly Rate
$41.44
Employment
40 professionals
script

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario

Annual Mean Salary
$85,200.00
Hourly Rate
$40.96
Employment
200 professionals
script

Fresno

Annual Mean Salary
$83,240.00
Hourly Rate
$40.02
Employment
40 professionals
script

Salinas

Annual Mean Salary
$81,000.00
Hourly Rate
$38.94
Employment
40 professionals
script

Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura

Annual Mean Salary
$77,290.00
Hourly Rate
$37.16
Employment
60 professionals
script

Santa Rosa

Annual Mean Salary
$75,230.00
Hourly Rate
$36.17
Employment
40 professionals
script

North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area

Annual Mean Salary
$63,440.00
Hourly Rate
$30.50
Employment
40 professionals
script

Data Source: All salary information is obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. This data represents the most recent national employment and wage estimates for over 800 occupations. Note: Salary data is updated annually by the BLS. Regional variations may exist due to differences in cost of living, industry concentration, and local market conditions.