Technical Writer Salary in San Francisco, CA
Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data
$115,000
▲ 1.5% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$60,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$80,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$115,000
50th Pct.
Median
$150,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$190,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
Find active Technical Writer roles in San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Technical Writer salary in San Francisco?+
The median Technical Writer salary in San Francisco, CA is $115,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $80,000 and $150,000.
What is the entry-level Technical Writer salary in San Francisco?+
Entry-level Technical Writer positions in San Francisco typically start around $80,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $115,000.
What do senior Technical Writers earn in San Francisco?+
Senior Technical Writers in San Francisco earn $150,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $190,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.
How has the Technical Writer market changed in San Francisco?+
Year-over-year salary growth for Technical Writers in San Francisco stands at 1.5% as of May 2026, indicating moderate demand in the local market.
Technical Writer — Other Markets
| Market | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $75,000 | $105,000 | $140,000 | +1.5% |
| Seattle, WA | $70,000 | $100,000 | $130,000 | +1.5% |
| Boston, MA | $65,000 | $95,000 | $120,000 | +1.5% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $70,000 | $100,000 | $135,000 | +1.5% |
| San Diego, CA | $65,000 | $95,000 | $120,000 | +1.5% |
| Sacramento, CA | $65,000 | $90,000 | $115,000 | +1.5% |
| Washington DC, DC | $65,000 | $95,000 | $125,000 | +1.5% |
| Baltimore, MD | $55,000 | $80,000 | $105,000 | +1.5% |
San Francisco — Other Roles
| Role | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $140,000 | $190,000 | $240,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | $130,000 | $175,000 | $225,000 |
| Frontend Developer | $115,000 | $155,000 | $205,000 |
| Backend Developer | $130,000 | $170,000 | $220,000 |
| iOS Developer | $135,000 | $175,000 | $230,000 |
| Android Developer | $130,000 | $170,000 | $220,000 |