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Assistant Technical Writer Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Technical Writer make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Technical Writer in California is $73,218 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, an Assistant Technical Writer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,740
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,417 to $79,773
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,135
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Technical Writer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Technical Writer Salaries

An Assistant 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.

How Experience Level Affects Assistant Technical Writer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $71,853
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $86,357
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $108,408
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $127,142
  • Expert (over 8 years): $120,295
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Assistant Technical Writer less than 1 year $71,853
Technical Writer II 1-2 years $86,357
Technical Writer III 2-4 years $108,408
Technical Writer IV 5-8 years $127,142
Technical Writing Supervisor over 8 years $120,295

How Do Assistant Technical Writer Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Assistant Technical Writers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $73,497.
  • California: $73,218.
  • Massachusetts: $72,243.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Technical Writer

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:

  • Los Angeles: $73,345
  • West Hollywood: $73,291
  • Dodgertown: $73,344

Assistant Technical Writer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant 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, Assistant Technical Writer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Technical Writer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Technical Writer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $82,005 $39.0 12%
Software & Networking $81,272 $39.0 11%
Construction $80,540 $39.0 10%
Internet $79,076 $38.0 8%
Pharmaceuticals $77,612 $37.0 6%

Assistant Technical Writer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$67,417
Average $73,218/year
$79,773
$5,618
Average $6,102/month
$6,648
$1,296
Average $1,408/week
$1,534
$32
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,773 $6,648 $1,534 $38
Average $73,218 $6,102 $1,408 $35
25th Percentile $67,417 $5,618 $1,296 $32

Find Your Next Assistant Technical Writer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Technical Writer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • DEL REY SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, INC. | 93043, CA

    Technical Writer

    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

    6 Days Ago

  • ALSO | Palo Alto, CA

    Technical Writer

    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

    6 Days Ago

  • TSMG | Palo Alto, CA

    Technical Writer

    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

    7 Days Ago

  • K2 Space | Los Angeles, CA

    Technical Writer

    K2 Space | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Cypress HCM | Santa Clara, CA

    Technical Writer

    Cypress HCM | Santa Clara, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Technical Writer. The Digital Experiences team is seeking a Technical Writer to join our team. This role involves collabo... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Tactical Engineering & Analysis | San Diego, CA

    Technical Writer

    Tactical Engineering & Analysis | San Diego, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Technical Writer plays a critical role in supporting DoD contracts and Joint Fires Network (JFN) and is responsible for d... more

    9 Days Ago

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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