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Freelance Science Writing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AKQA

Freelance Senior Copywriter

San Francisco, CA

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Senior Copywriters at AKQA play essential roles in the strategy, conception, and writing of ...

AKQA

Freelance Senior Copywriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Senior Copywriters at AKQA play essential roles in the strategy, conception, and writing of ...

AKQA

Freelance Senior Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$2.8K - $3.6K/wk

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present and advocate for ...

23andme

Senior Brand Designer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

When needed, brief, hire, and steer external design and video agencies and freelancers. Set the ... Partner closely with scientists, writers, communications, philanthropy, and partnership leads to ...

23andMe

Senior Brand Designer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

When needed, brief, hire, and steer external design and video agencies and freelancers. Set the ... Partner closely with scientists, writers, communications, philanthropy, and partnership leads to ...

The Huntington

Senior Editor

San Marino, CA · Hybrid

... science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing ... Works in collaboration with writers, graphic designers, freelancers, and others to produce high ...

AKQA

Senior Designer

San Francisco, CA

$120K - $128K/yr

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create ... We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Designer to support one of the most globally ...

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Freelance Science Writing information

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How much do freelance science writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance science writing in California is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance science writer?

To thrive as a Freelance Science Writer, you need a solid understanding of scientific concepts, excellent writing skills, and typically a degree in science or journalism. Familiarity with research databases, citation management software, and content management systems is often required. Strong soft skills include curiosity, self-motivation, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly for diverse audiences. These skills ensure accuracy, credibility, and engaging content that meets the needs of clients and readers.

What is freelance science writing?

Freelance science writing involves creating articles, reports, blog posts, or other written content about scientific topics for various clients on a contract basis. Science writers translate complex research and scientific concepts into clear, engaging language for a range of audiences, such as the general public, students, or industry professionals. Freelancers in this field work independently, often pitching story ideas to magazines, websites, or organizations, and may write about subjects like health, technology, environment, or space. This career requires strong writing skills, a solid understanding of scientific topics, and the ability to communicate clearly with both scientists and non-experts.

What is the difference between Freelance Science Writing vs Scientific Content Writer?

AspectFreelance Science WritingScientific Content Writer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science or related field, writing experienceOften requires a degree in science, communication, or journalism
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedUsually employed by companies, agencies, or media outlets
Employer & IndustryClients across various industries, including publishing, education, biotechOrganizations producing scientific articles, reports, or educational content

Freelance Science Writers work independently on diverse projects for multiple clients, often remotely. Scientific Content Writers are typically employed by organizations to produce consistent scientific materials. Both roles require scientific knowledge and strong writing skills, but Freelance Science Writers enjoy more flexibility and varied assignments, while Scientific Content Writers often have a more structured work environment.

How do freelance science writers typically find and secure consistent work?

Freelance science writers often secure assignments by building strong relationships with editors, pitching story ideas to publications, and maintaining an updated portfolio of their work. Many also join professional networks or online platforms dedicated to freelance writing, which offer job listings and opportunities to connect with potential clients. While the freelance landscape can be competitive, regularly pitching fresh, timely ideas and demonstrating expertise in specific scientific fields can help writers develop a steady workflow over time.
What are the most commonly searched types of Science Writing jobs in California? The most popular types of Science Writing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Science Writing jobs in California? For Freelance Science Writing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Science Writing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Science Writing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Science Writing jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Science Writing job openings:
Freelance Science Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Science Writing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 33% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 18% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,778 per year, or $23 per hour.

Freelance Senior Copywriter

AKQA

San Francisco, CA

$2.6K - $3.4K/wk

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

At AKQA (part of WPP), we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

Senior Copywriters at AKQA play essential roles in the strategy, conception, and writing of beautiful ideas, products and services. They bring exceptional creative thought and craft output, developing and delivering projects from brief to end user. The Senior Copywriter at AKQA approaches every brief with fresh eyes. Avoiding familiar solutions, they create and inspire work that is distinctive, effective, and truly remarkable, crafting exceptional copy and storytelling across every touchpoint.

We are seeking a talented Freelance Senior Copywriter to support one of the most globally recognized consumer brands in the world, a company with an enormous and deeply loyal customer base whose digital products and services touch millions of people every day. We have been entrusted with the full lifecycle delivery of one of their most significant consumer-facing digital products. This is a meaningful, high-visibility engagement where strong writing directly shapes the experience of millions of people every day. This is a freelance role running from June 29 through September 30, 2026.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

  • Write clear, purposeful, and on-brand copy across digital product surfaces, including UX content, interface writing, onboarding flows, notifications, error states, and transactional messaging
  • Bring a combination of strategic, conceptual, and craft-level copywriting skills to each brief, ensuring every word earns its place within the product experience
  • Collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, strategists, and engineers to ensure copy and experience are working together at every stage of the process
  • Organize and write copy at the component level, thinking in discrete, structured units that map cleanly to product and CMS-driven page architecture
  • Work within sprint-based delivery cadences, committing to copy milestones with the consistency and velocity that agile product development requires
  • Engage directly with client stakeholders in a collaborative and professional manner, contributing to conversations about voice, tone, and content strategy
  • Approach every brief with curiosity and a drive to find the most clear, human, and effective solution
  • Proofread and quality-check your own work rigorously before delivery

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • 5+ years of experience writing copy for digital products and services, with a compelling portfolio that demonstrates range, craft, and product thinking
  • A portfolio that reflects audience-centric writing organized around user needs, moments, and goals rather than feature lists or product descriptions
  • Comfortable working within a large, complex consumer brand with established voice and tone guidelines, and skilled at writing compellingly within those guardrails
  • Strong grasp of tone and the ability to adapt voice across a wide range of product surfaces and user contexts
  • Comfortable committing to sprint timelines and delivering with consistency in a fast-paced, agile environment
  • Collaborative, open to feedback, and motivated by producing work that genuinely serves the people using it
  • Excellent writing, grammar, and proofreading skills
  • A drive to push boundaries and craft the best ideas of their kind

Location & Commitment

  • West Coast based; must be available during Pacific Time working hours
    • Monthly travel to client headquarters for collaborative working sessions of a few days at a time
  • June 29, 2026 through September 30, 2026
  • 40 hours/week
  • Expected weekly compensation: $2,600 to $3,400

Apply