Writers and Authors in California
Local pay for writers and authors in California, on the same wage scale as the U.S. Growth and openings are national.
SOC 27-3043
$86,480
median pay, California
8,390
employed in California
+12.4%
vs U.S. median
+3.6%
growth, 2024–34 (U.S.)
What writers and authors earn in California
California · annual wage · OEWS May 2025
Half of writers and authors in California earn between $75,530 and $127,870 a year; the U.S. median is $76,910.
$56,730
P10
$86,480
MEDIAN
$127,870
P75
$193,080
P90
Pay by metro in California
$118,810
$107,700
$86,340
$82,920
$82,690
$82,590
$78,990
$77,250
$20k $110k $200k