ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Magazine Writing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

N2 - All Jobs

Area Sales Director

Salinas, CA

$240K/yr

About Real Producers Real Producers celebrates the top real estate agents in local markets through a magazine written by and for the real estate community. Agents value Real Producers for the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMagazine Writing JobsMagazine Writing Jobs in California

Magazine Writing information

See California salary details

$5

$30

$74

How much do magazine writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for magazine 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.

How much do writers for magazines make?

Magazine writers' earnings vary based on experience, publication size, and freelance or staff status. On average, freelance magazine writers earn between $0.25 and $1 per word, while staff writers may earn from $30,000 to over $70,000 annually. Developing strong writing skills and a portfolio can influence earning potential in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Magazine Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Magazine Writer, you need strong writing, research, and storytelling skills, often supported by a degree in journalism, communications, or English. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), digital publishing tools, and SEO best practices is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to meet deadlines are important soft skills that help writers excel in this role. These skills ensure compelling, accurate content that engages readers and meets the evolving demands of the publishing industry.

How to get a job working for a magazine?

To get a job as a magazine writer, develop strong writing skills and build a portfolio of published work. Gain experience through internships, freelance assignments, or contributing to smaller publications, and familiarize yourself with industry-standard tools like AP style and content management systems. Networking and pitching story ideas to editors can also improve your chances of securing a position.

What is the difference between Magazine Writing vs Content Writing?

AspectMagazine WritingContent Writing
CredentialsTypically requires a journalism or communications degreeOften requires marketing, communications, or related degrees
Work EnvironmentPrint and digital magazines, editorial settingsWebsites, blogs, social media platforms
Industry UsageUsed mainly in publishing and media industriesUsed across marketing, advertising, and online media
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare magazine writing with other journalism rolesPeople compare content writing with copywriting or blogging

Magazine writing focuses on creating in-depth, feature-style articles for print and digital magazines, often requiring journalistic skills and storytelling. Content writing is broader, covering online content like blogs and website copy, emphasizing SEO and marketing goals. While both roles involve writing skills, magazine writing is more editorial and narrative-driven, whereas content writing is more versatile and marketing-oriented.

Do magazine jobs still exist?

Magazine writing jobs still exist and involve creating content for print and digital publications. These roles often require strong writing skills, research ability, and familiarity with editing tools; many writers work freelance or as staff members for media outlets. The industry has shifted toward digital platforms, but opportunities remain in journalism, feature writing, and content creation.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Magazine Writing Job?

The primary qualifications for a magazine writing position vary by the publication. Some magazines accept applicants with little or no publishing experience, while others draw exclusively from magazine writers with several years of experience. A bachelor's degree in journalism is helpful, but it is not always necessary. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this position requires the ability to create unique and compelling content and uncover new information. Any experience with journalistic activities like scheduling interviews with subject matter experts can help you stand out from other applicants. Excellent writing and editing skills are crucial to your success in this role. You also need to develop a robust writing sample portfolio.

What is magazine writing?

Magazine writing involves creating articles, features, interviews, and other content for magazines. Writers in this field may cover a wide variety of topics, such as lifestyle, health, travel, culture, and current events, depending on the magazine's focus. Magazine writers must tailor their writing style to the publication’s audience, maintain accuracy, and often work under deadlines. They may be employed by a magazine or work as freelancers pitching story ideas to editors.

How do you become a magazine writer?

To become a magazine writer, you typically need strong writing skills, a portfolio of published work, and knowledge of journalistic or creative writing. Many writers pursue a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field and gain experience through internships, freelance assignments, or contributing to smaller publications before applying to larger magazines.

What are some common challenges magazine writers face when balancing creativity with editorial guidelines?

Magazine writers often encounter the challenge of expressing their unique voice and creativity while adhering to the publication's editorial standards, tone, and audience expectations. Writers must skillfully pitch fresh story ideas, thoroughly research topics, and craft engaging narratives, all while meeting strict deadlines and revision requests from editors. Navigating this balance requires adaptability, open communication with editorial teams, and a willingness to accept feedback to ensure content is both original and aligned with the magazine's brand.
More about Magazine Writing jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Magazine Writing jobs in California? The most popular types of Magazine Writing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Magazine Writing jobs in California? For Magazine Writing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Magazine Writing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Magazine Writing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Magazine Writing jobs? Cities in California with the most Magazine Writing job openings:
Magazine Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Magazine Writing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Editorial Intern for Social Network Luxury Magazine

Editorial Intern for Social Network Luxury Magazine

Privy Circle

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We are a luxury lifestyle-oriented startup targeted at transpacific travelers between US and Asia. We are based in El Segundo, minutes away from the beach. It's a more hands-on situation than most internships that will quickly acclimate you to the web/social media industry, allow for a great deal of useful networking opportunities through the CEO's large rolodex, and develop high-demand skills that can be applied in more or less traditional settings in the future. In short, it'll be a fun and valuable experience to help launch your career in media/communications. 

Job Description

Not your average coffee-fetching, copy-machine-wrestling internship. We are looking for a highly-driven, detail-oriented editorial intern with some native skills related to excel spreadsheets, writing, project management and website testing. Must be able to think creatively and intuitively and adapt to writing for a luxury-lifestyle-consuming audience. The ability to write like Ian Fleming and knowledge of cities such as Seoul, Shanghai, or Tokyo a plus. 

Depending on the individual's skills and interests, your duties will include the following: 
- write interviews of members

- produce blog posts in online magazine

- writing copy for our newsletter

- writing marketing and product copy for your website

- duties as assigned 

Qualifications

- able to work in our cheery warehouse office in El Segundo a plus but will consider virtual

- experience writing luxury lifestyle content
- organized and detail oriented 
- strong knowledge of social networking sites 
- self-motivated & driven team player 
- ability to prioritize and multitask in a less-structured environment 
- knowledge of cities in Asia plus

Additional Information

Compensation Negotiable, 10-25 hours/week or on a per word basis

Apply