How Much Do Writers and Authors Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Writers and Authors in California earns $86,480 per year and takes home $65,856 ($5,488/month) — a keep-rate of 76.2%, with 8,390 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $7,206.67 |
| Federal income tax | $849.62 |
| Social Security | $446.81 |
| Medicare | $104.50 |
| California state income tax | $317.76 |
| You keep | $5,487.98 |
How much do Writers and Authors make in California?
The median Writers and Authors in California earns $86,480 per year (BLS May 2025), about $41.58 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$86,480 gross in California keeps $65,856 after federal income tax ($10,195), FICA ($6,616) and state income tax ($3,813) — $5,488 per month, a 76.2% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Writers and Authors?
The California median is $9,570 above the national median of $76,910.
Which state pays Writers and Authors the most?
Washington DC has the highest median gross for Writers and Authors at $129,300 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Writers and Authors salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage