As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Technical Writer in California is $137,724 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Lead Technical Writer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Technical Writer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $144,496 | $12,041 | $2,779 | $69 |
| Average | $137,724 | $11,477 | $2,649 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,696 | $10,808 | $2,494 | $62 |
Cyberstrike Group - Point Mugu NAWC, CA
DEL REY Systems & Technology, Inc. - Port Hueneme, CA
Sentar Inc - San Diego, CA
Sayres Defense - San Diego, CA
A Lead Technical Writer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Technical Writer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Technical Writer | $135,494 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Technical Writer | $135,828 |
| Senior Level Lead Technical Writer | $136,609 |
| Specialist Level Lead Technical Writer | $137,500 |
| Expert Level Lead Technical Writer | $139,031 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lead Technical Writers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Lead Technical Writer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $144,496 | $12,041 | $2,779 | $69 |
| Average | $137,724 | $11,477 | $2,649 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,696 | $10,808 | $2,494 | $62 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Technical Writer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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