Writers and Authors salary in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA
Writers and Authors in the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA metro area earn a median of $86,340 a year ($41.51 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $51,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,810 for the top 10%. That is 12% higher than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is about the same as the California statewide median of $86,480. There are 0.27 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $94,260, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,310 | $24.67 |
| 25th percentile | $68,790 | $33.07 |
| Median | $86,340 | $41.51 |
| 75th percentile | $101,820 | $48.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,810 | $61.45 |
| Average (mean) | $94,260 | $45.32 |
Half of writers and authors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,195 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,597.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,320.77 |
| Weekly | $1,660.38 |
| Hourly | $41.51 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $86,340 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Writers and Authors salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $118,810 | 400 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $107,700 | 50 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $82,920 | 70 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $82,690 | 240 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $82,590 | 350 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $78,990 | 190 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $77,250 | n/a |
| Fresno, CA | $77,060 | 70 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $74,820 | 40 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $73,600 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for writers and authors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $129,300 |
| Maryland | $104,330 |
| Connecticut | $98,460 |
| Vermont | $94,430 |
| Louisiana | $89,520 |
| California | $86,480 |
| Washington | $85,700 |
| Massachusetts | $85,260 |
| Virginia | $85,000 |
| New Jersey | $81,590 |
See Writers and Authors pay in every state or the California statewide figures.
Related jobs in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,190 | $34.23 |
| Editor | $73,770 | $35.47 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,540 | — |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $40.41 |
| Producers and Directors | $71,500 | $34.38 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,350 | $22.28 |
| Floral Designer | $45,700 | $21.97 |
| Interior Designer | $78,000 | $37.50 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $45,840 | $22.04 |
| Photographer | $48,790 | $23.46 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-3043. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a writers and authors make in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA?
The median salary for writers and authors in the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA metro area is $86,340 a year, or $41.51 an hour. Pay ranges from $51,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA metro area earn at least $127,810 a year. The top 25% earn $101,820 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $51,310 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $68,790 or less.
How many writers and authors work in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA?
About 30 writers and authors are employed in the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA metro area, not counting the self-employed.