RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Technical Writers salary in Riverside, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Riverside metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$81,920
Mean annual$91,770
Range (10th to 90th)$55,190 to $130,670
Riverside, California employment160
State vs national-6.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Riverside technical writers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$55,19025TH$60,360MEDIAN$81,92075TH$115,14090TH$130,670

The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,360 and $115,140, with a median of $81,920.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    Less than 5 years

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Writing

    Basic skill

    4.9 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Written Expression

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.

  2. 02

    Maintain records and files of work and revisions.

  3. 03

    Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.

  4. 04

    Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.

  5. 05

    Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.

  6. 06

    Develop or maintain online help documentation.

  7. 07

    Assist in laying out material for publication.

  8. 08

    Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Technical Writers

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in California

How the Riverside metro compares to other major California metro areas for technical writers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Technical Writers in Riverside, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Technical Writers in the Riverside metropolitan area is $81,920.
Does Riverside pay more than the California state average for Technical Writers?
The Riverside metro median is -18.4% versus the California state median of $100,440.
How does Riverside compare to the national median for Technical Writers?
The Riverside metro median is -6.1% versus the BLS national figure of $87,266.
What is the salary range for Technical Writers in Riverside?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $55,190 and the 90th-percentile at $130,670 for the Riverside metro area.
What education is required for Technical Writers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Riverside CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.