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Freelance Writer & Editor Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Freelance Writer Editor information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$8

$25

$36

How much do freelance writer & editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance writer & editor in Santa Rosa, CA is $25.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance writer & editor do?

As a Freelance Writer & Editor, your workflow often involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, communicating regularly with clients to clarify assignments, and adhering to varying style guides or brand voices. You might balance tasks like researching topics, drafting content, proofreading, and revising materials based on feedback. Deadlines can vary, so strong organizational and time management skills are crucial. Collaboration may occur through email, project management tools, or virtual meetings, but much of your work is self-directed. This flexibility allows you to build a varied portfolio and set your own schedule while meeting client expectations.

What does a freelance writer/editor do?

As a freelance writer/editor, your duties vary depending on your client, but typically involve the creation and refinement of written prose, journalism, or advertising copy. Most freelance writer/editors work on multiple contracts simultaneously for different clients, offering the ability to focus on either writing or editing as the client requires. As a freelance writer, you may write copy for SEO firms or advertising agencies, or write traditional journalism for a newspaper or magazine. As an editor, you may work for a similar company, such as a marketing firm or a magazine, where you proofread copy, review content, and perform various administrative responsibilities. In either case, the contract is often performed as a remote position.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a freelance writer & editor?

To thrive as a Freelance Writer & Editor, you need outstanding writing, editing, and research skills, usually backed by a degree in English, journalism, communications, or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, content management systems (CMS), and editing platforms like Grammarly or AP Stylebook is commonly required. Strong soft skills include time management, attention to detail, effective communication, and adaptability to shifting client needs. These abilities are vital for consistently producing high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining strong client relationships in a competitive freelance marketplace.

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For Freelance Writer & Editor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Writer & Editor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Writer & Editor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Freelance Writer & Editor jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Freelance Writer & Editor job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Writer & Editor job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 58% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 39% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,930 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Film Instructor / Filmmaking Mentor (Part-Time Teaching Artist)

Latino Film Institute

Calistoga, CA • On-site

$31.80/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Film Instructor / Filmmaking Mentor (Part-Time Teaching Artist)


Compensation: $31.80/hour + paid prep + mileage reimbursement     

Schedule: Part-time, 7-19 hrs/week      

Locations: Calistoga/ Napa


Keep one foot in the craft while shaping the next generation of filmmakers. 

The Youth Cinema Project hires working filmmakers to teach project-based film classes to students in grades 5-12, guiding them from script to screen on a real short film over the school year. It’s flexible, part-time work that fits around freelance gigs, with paid prep time and a curriculum already built for you. You bring the craft; we bring the lesson plans.

What you’ll do

  • Teach two 90-minute film classes a week, partnered with a co-mentor

  • Guide students through the full filmmaking process, writing, shooting, and editing, to produce a finished short film

  • Teach from our ready-made, rigorous curriculum (no lesson planning from scratch)

  • Help young people find their voice and discover a path into film

Why filmmakers take this role

  • Flexible hours (avg. 7-14/week) that work around production schedules and freelance gigs

  • $31.80/hour, plus paid preparation time and paid training

  • Mileage reimbursed for any travel

  • Stay creatively engaged between projects, and give back to your community

What you’ll need

  • 3+ years working in the film industry, as a director, producer, or in any below-the-line role

  • Strong skills in at least one area of filmmaking

  • Enough editing ability to cut simple short content (DaVinci Resolve a plus)

  • Comfortable and confident working with kids in a school setting

  • Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation (some travel up to 50 miles; mileage reimbursed). Comfortable using Google Workspace.

Nice to have (not required)

  • Film degree or film-school background

  • Previous teaching or mentoring experience

  • Knowledge of camera, audio, and G&E equipment; film story structure

  • Experience with Frame.io and Dropbox


How to apply

Send your résumé and a link to your reel or portfolio. That’s all to get started. Promising candidates will be asked for a few work samples and a short note about your interest in the next step.


Good to know

This position works directly with students and requires successful completion of a background check, Live Scan fingerprinting, and a TB screening prior to employment. The role involves extended periods of standing, frequent outdoor work, and the ability to safely lift and transport up to 50 pounds of filmmaking equipment. All required state-mandated trainings, including Child Abuse Mandated Reporter and Harassment Prevention training, are provided and compensated. Please note that participation in or completion of the pre-instruction Boot Camp training does not guarantee employment or placement as a YCP Mentor.


The Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.