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Health Writing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Writer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $200K/yr

Requires a minimum of 12 years' experience in technical writing. * Requires a demo link for viewing ... A comprehensive benefits program, including paid time off, federal holidays, health coverage, 401K ...

Writer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $200K/yr

Requires a minimum of 12 years' experience in technical writing. * Requires a demo link for viewing ... A comprehensive benefits program, including paid time off, federal holidays, health coverage, 401K ...

Senior Writer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$82 - $152/hr

Screenplay or game writing experience. * Strong problem-solving skills. * Passionate and egoless ... healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance ...

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Showing results 41-60

Health Writing information

See California salary details

$5

$30

$74

How much do health writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for health writing in California is $30.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $36.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is health writing?

A Health Writing job involves creating clear, accurate, and engaging content related to medical, healthcare, or wellness topics. Health writers work on a variety of materials, including articles, blog posts, patient education materials, and research summaries. They often collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure content is evidence-based and accessible to the intended audience. Strong research skills and the ability to translate complex medical information into understandable language are essential for this role.

What types of projects do health writers typically work on, and how much variety is there in daily tasks?

Health writers often create content ranging from patient education materials, blog articles, and website copy to research summaries and technical reports for healthcare professionals. The daily tasks can vary greatly, including conducting literature reviews, interviewing subject matter experts, and tailoring messaging for different audiences. Many health writers work closely with editors, graphic designers, and medical professionals to ensure content accuracy and clarity. This variety makes the role dynamic and offers opportunities to develop expertise in different formats and topics within the healthcare field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in health writing, and why are they important?

To thrive in Health Writing, a strong background in health sciences, excellent research abilities, and demonstrated writing proficiency—often with a degree in journalism, English, or a health-related field—are essential. Familiarity with medical databases, citation management tools, and common style guides (such as AMA or AP) is typically required, and certifications in medical writing can be advantageous. Attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate, trustworthy, and engaging health content tailored for diverse audiences.

Do health writers make good money?

Health writers can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, specialization, and whether they work freelance or for an organization. Entry-level health writers typically earn lower wages, while experienced professionals or those with niche expertise can command higher rates or salaries, often supplemented by strong research skills and familiarity with writing tools. Overall, health writing can be financially rewarding for skilled writers with a solid portfolio.

How to become a health writer?

To become a health writer, develop strong writing skills and gain knowledge in health topics through education or self-study. A background in healthcare, science, or journalism is beneficial, and building a portfolio of health-related writing can help establish credibility. Familiarity with research, medical terminology, and editing tools is also valuable for success in this field.

What does a health writer do?

A health writer creates content related to health, medicine, and wellness for various audiences, including articles, blog posts, and reports. They research medical topics, ensure accuracy, and often work with editors or healthcare professionals, using tools like style guides and referencing credible sources.

What are the most commonly searched types of Health Writing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Health Writing jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Health Writing jobs in California?

For Health Writing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Health Writing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Health Writing job openings:

Infographic showing various Health Writing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Sr. Director, Medical Writing

International Executive Service Corps

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$280 - $320/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Oversees and leads scientific, medical, and regulatory writing activities for all development projects from clinical study protocols through regulatory submission and post-approval activities.

  • Ensures the timely presentation and dissemination of clinical data according to budget, timelines, and strategic publication plans.

  • Manages internal and external writing activities, including reviewing documents, guiding the preparation of regulatory and publication documents, and organizing document production meetings.


Job description

Nektar Therapeutics has an opportunity for a Sr. Director, Medical Writing to join the Development Team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Oversees and leads scientific, medical, and regulatory writing activities for all development projects, ensuring full life-cycle support from clinical study protocols through regulatory submission and post-approval activities. Ensures the timely presentation/dissemination of clinical data from investigational pipeline products according to budget, timelines, strategic publication plans, and tactical approaches. Ensures that strategically aligned scientific communication points are delivered and that statements and conclusions in publications (manuscripts, abstracts, posters, oral presentations, etc.) are accurate and supported by appropriate data. Serves as liaison between all clinical functions to assure consistent messaging around products company-wide. Provides strategic and operational leadership relative to the direction, planning, execution, and interpretation of clinical programs and the data collection activities. Consistently works on abstract problems across functional areas of the business. Identifies and evaluates fundamental and operational issues, providing strategy and direction for major functional areas. Interacts internally and externally with executive level management and key operational leaders, requiring negotiation of extremely difficult matters to influence policymaking bodies. Directs all clinical writing activities outlined in the Project Clinical Development Plans. Reviews documents and offers guidance in the preparation of regulatory and publication documents. Organizes, conducts, and leads document production meetings and other meetings as necessary. Projects Medical Writing budget, resource, and timeline requirements for CDP. Manages timeline, budget, and outside vendors on regulatory document writing projects. Develops and manages Departmental Guidelines management system, Writing style guide, and departmental templates such as protocols, investigator's brochures, final clinical study reports, and IND sections. Provides and manages internal and external writing activities. Develops department infrastructure such as establishing style guides and generation of templates and processes. Manages internal staffing and performance management, including hiring, training, coaching, and performance reviews. Remains current with relevant medical developments and publications on similar and competitor products and applies this knowledge to current programs. Ensures the development and implementation of clinical program strategy and directs those systems and programs in order to meet Company objectives.

Additional Qualifications

Demonstrates experience as a primary author writing regulated scientific documents. Knows regulatory functions, FDA and ICH guidelines, and CTD format for various scientific documents. Possesses strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to implement. Creates effective presentations from raw data. Interprets statistical and clinical data. Works well with others in high-pressure situations. Demonstrates problem-solving abilities. Possesses strong organizational skills. Communicates effectively in oral and written form. Understands clinical research, biostatistics, and regulatory affairs. Has experience writing clinical protocols, investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and IND/NDA sections. Possesses good computer skills and knowledge of Omnicia software and MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Education or Degree Requirements

A Bachelor's/Master's degree in a scientific discipline with a strong journalism background. PhD in a scientific or life sciences discipline preferred.

Minimum Professional Experience

15 years in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO medical writing position. 10 years writing management experience. 12 years previous supervisory experience.

Additional Information

Nektar currently anticipates the base salary for the Sr. Director, Medical Writing to range from $280,000 to $320,000 for candidates in the Bay Area and will depend, in part, on successful candidate's location and qualifications for the role, including education and experience. This position will also be eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan (depending, in part, on company and individual performance and at the Company's discretion on an individual basis.) The compensation described above is subject to change and could be higher or lower than the range described based on the market survey data.

Qualifying employees are eligible to participate in benefit programs such as:

  • Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
  • Disability Insurance
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(k) Match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Wellness Programs
  • Parental Leave Benefits (in accordance with the terms of applicable plans)

For general information on company benefits, please go to https://www.nektar.com/careers.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Nektar Therapeutics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner proscribed by the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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