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Writers and Authors Salary in California
Ranked #4 of 43 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of writers and authorss in California earn between $56,730 and $193,080. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean writers and authors salary in California is $106,560, about 23.8% above the U.S. average ($86,090). That works out to roughly $51/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $118,810 | $120,540 | 400 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $107,700 | $113,000 | 50 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $86,340 | $94,260 | 30 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $82,920 | $102,320 | 70 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $82,690 | $92,290 | 240 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $82,590 | $101,560 | 350 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $78,990 | $88,320 | 190 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $77,250 | $98,070 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do writers and authors make in California?
The median writers and authors salary in California is $86,480 per year (mean $106,560), and about 80% earn between $56,730 and $193,080.
How much do writers and authors make per hour in California?
Roughly $51 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $106,560 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for writers and authors?
California ranks #4 of 43 states for writers and authors pay. Its mean salary of $106,560 is about 23.8% above the U.S. average of $86,090.
Which metro areas in California pay writers and authors the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for writers and authors are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($118,810), Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA ($107,700), San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($86,340), by median annual wage.