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Senior Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Writer

Senior paid marketing manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$157K - $198K/yr

About WRITER WRITER is where the world's leading enterprises orchestrate AI-powered work. Our ... About the role WRITER is looking for a senior paid marketing manager to lead our paid media ...

DCS Corporation

Technical Writer

Point Mugu Nawc, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Collaborate with supervisors and senior writers to receive assignments and technical information. Observe production and experimental activities to gather and verify operational details. Research and ...

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Senior Writer information

See California salary details

$30.1K

$91.3K

$168.8K

How much do senior writer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior writer in California is $91,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $99,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior writer?

Senior Writers are experienced professionals responsible for creating, editing, and overseeing written content for organizations such as media outlets, corporations, or marketing agencies. They often handle complex writing assignments, mentor junior writers, and ensure the quality and consistency of content. Senior Writers may also contribute to strategy, collaborate with other departments, and help shape a brand’s voice. Their role typically requires strong writing skills, subject matter expertise, and several years of experience in the field.

What does a senior writer do?

A senior writer creates a variety of high-quality content for a company, organization, or client. As a senior writer, your responsibilities vary depending on the type of employer and industry. You may research and write articles, maintain editorials, or publish columns. You may also work with or be a part of a marketing team to develop advertisements. Typical daily duties include training junior writers, multitasking various projects, handling client requests, conducting research on writing topics, and proofreading and editing drafts. You are responsible for managing workflow, meeting strict deadlines, and providing expertise on a variety of writing projects.

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

To thrive as a Senior Writer, you need advanced writing, editing, and research skills, typically supported by a degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), style guides (like AP or Chicago), and digital analytics tools is often required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong collaboration abilities help Senior Writers stand out in producing engaging, high-quality content. These skills are crucial for meeting organizational goals, maintaining brand voice, and effectively reaching target audiences.

How does a senior writer typically collaborate with editors and other team members during content development?

Senior Writers often work closely with editors, subject matter experts, and other writers to develop high-quality content. Collaboration usually involves brainstorming sessions, regular check-ins to align on tone and messaging, and rounds of feedback to refine drafts. Senior Writers may also mentor junior writers, coordinate with graphic designers for visual elements, and ensure that all content meets brand guidelines and deadlines. This teamwork helps maintain consistency and elevate the overall quality of the publication.

What is the difference between Senior Writer vs Content Writer?

AspectSenior WriterContent Writer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in English, Journalism, or related field; extensive writing experienceBachelor's degree often preferred; entry-level to mid-level writing experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate, agency, or publishing settings; often involves project managementMarketing teams, media companies, or freelance work; focus on content creation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for high-level content development and editingCommon in marketing, media, and digital content sectors

The main difference between a Senior Writer and a Content Writer lies in experience, responsibilities, and scope. Senior Writers typically have more advanced credentials, handle complex projects, and may oversee content strategies. Content Writers focus on producing engaging content, often at an entry to mid-level, with less emphasis on strategic oversight.

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Senior Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 54% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,347 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Senior Writer, Investigations

Condé Nast

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$95K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

WIRED is where a better future is imagined. For three decades, we have been the indispensable guide to a world in constant transformation. We cover humanity's biggest challenges, from climate change to global security, from pandemic preparedness to the future of democracy, and tell stories of the people trying to solve these challenges and the role science and technology can play-for good or ill. WIRED reaches more than 30 million people each month through WIRED.com, our digital edition, the magazine, social media, and live events.Job Description

Location:

New York, NY

WIRED seeks a reporter who is adept at building and working with data sets and/or open source tools to break impactful stories in the worlds of technology, cybersecurity, science, and beyond.


In this role, you'll be expected to have both traditional reporting skills and technological chops. We're interested in people with a demonstrated facility in visual and open source investigations, data journalism, or some combination of those. Coding ability is a plus but not mandatory; our priority is someone who can find differentiated stories hiding in plain sight, whether that's from a data leak, a satellite image, or a trail of digital bread crumbs.

You should have a demonstrated ability not only to identify promising leads, but to report them out by both technological and traditional means. This dynamic position requires curiosity and creativity to produce at least four stories per month. While you'll be based on our security desk, you'll be encouraged to look for unique stories across all of WIRED's areas of coverage. An eagerness to work collaboratively with other WIRED reporters is a major plus.

The successful candidate must have extensive experience and a demonstrated portfolio of investigative work. They will also have the opportunity to work across-and should be comfortable with-a wide range of formats such as social, podcasts, video series, live events, etc.

This role reports to WIRED's Director of Science, Politics, and Security, and is part of a growing and increasingly global newsroom of smart, kind, nerdy, and well-informed colleagues who are always brimming with ideas and eager to help each other out. This role is in-office (4 days/week) and we are open to candidates in San Francisco and New York.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Consistently break news and deliver scoops

  • Report and write at least four stories per month, primarily focused on differentiated investigative work

  • Pitch, report, and write stories, with a focus on using data, open source tools, or visual investigations

  • Collaborate with other members of the security desk, and journalists from across the WIRED newsroom

  • Collaborate with audio, video, events, and social media teams as needed to develop ways of telling stories on other platforms

  • Work collaboratively with global markets on all relevant stories or packages

  • Additional projects/stories as assigned

Requirements:

  • At least 4 years experience as journalist with a track record of investigative data or OSINT reporting

  • A proven track record of scoops and the ability to consistently break news

  • Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage a constantly evolving workload and prioritize appropriately

  • A clear, engaging, jargon-free writing style

The expected base salary range for this position is from $95,000-$129,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.

This is a guild position.

What happens next?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile.

Conde Nast is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.

Apply