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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Technical Writer in California is $72,564 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Associate Technical Writer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Associate Technical Writer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $78,776 | $6,565 | $1,515 | $38 |
| Average | $72,564 | $6,047 | $1,395 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,566 | $5,547 | $1,280 | $32 |
Cypress HCM - Santa Clara, CA
TradeJobsWorkForce - Sacramento, CA
The Copper River Family of Companies - Chula Vista, CA
The Copper River Family of Companies - San Diego, CA
An Associate 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 an Associate 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 |
|---|---|
| Associate... Level Associate Technical Writer | $72,108 |
| Technical... Level Associate Technical Writer | $86,663 |
| Technical... Level Associate Technical Writer | $108,792 |
| Technical... Level Associate Technical Writer | $127,593 |
| Technical... Level Associate Technical Writer | $120,722 |
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 Associate 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:
For Associate Technical Writer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, Associate Technical Writer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Technical Writer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $81,272 | $39.0 | 12% |
| Software & Networking | $80,546 | $39.0 | 11% |
| Construction | $79,821 | $38.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $78,369 | $38.0 | 8% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $76,918 | $37.0 | 6% |
Understanding how an Associate 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 | $78,776 | $6,565 | $1,515 | $38 |
| Average | $72,564 | $6,047 | $1,395 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,566 | $5,547 | $1,280 | $32 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Technical Writer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
The Rockridge Group
South San Francisco, CA
The Rockridge Group | South San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. SUMMARY. Individual will be involved in writing and creating some technical knowledge base articles, etc. REQUIREMENTS. S... more
8 Days Ago
TradeJobsWorkForce
San Diego, CA
TradeJobsWorkForce | San Diego, CA
Research, write, edit and proofread complex technical data. Create, maintain and update manuals, procedures, specifications and other documents. Create, ma... more
9 Days Ago
DEL REY SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, INC.
93043, CA
DEL REY SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, INC. | 93043, CA
Job Description. Job Description. DEL REY. is seeking a passionate. Training Developer & Technical Writer. possesses strong expertise in translating comple... more
9 Days Ago
ALSO
Palo Alto, CA
ALSO | Palo Alto, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About ALSO. We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of... more
9 Days Ago
TradeJobsWorkForce
Pacoima, CA
TradeJobsWorkForce | Pacoima, CA
Research, write, edit and proofread complex technical data. Create, maintain and update manuals, procedures, specifications and other documents. Create, ma... more
10 Days Ago
TSMG
Palo Alto, CA
TSMG | Palo Alto, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Role Overview. The Technical Writer will help create clear, concise, and comprehensive documentation, while managing and ... more
10 Days Ago
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