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Senior Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Senior Technical Writer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Technical Writer to lead high-profile and demanding programs for our government customers. We believe that the quality of our documentation should reflect the ...

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All JobsWriter JobsSenior Writer JobsSenior Writer Jobs in California

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 9, 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.

Is there still a demand for senior writers?

Senior writers are in consistent demand across industries such as media, marketing, and publishing, especially for roles requiring strong writing skills, industry knowledge, and experience with content management tools. The demand is driven by ongoing needs for high-quality content, digital marketing, and brand storytelling, with opportunities available in both full-time and freelance capacities.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

More about Senior Writer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Writer jobs in California? The most popular types of Writer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Writer jobs in California? For Senior Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Writer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Writer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Writer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Writer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Writer jobs in CA? For Senior Writer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,347 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

SENIOR WRITER & PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Special Instructions to Applicants
Cover Letter: A position-specific cover letter is required as part of the application.
Writing Samples: Three relevant writing samples are required (e.g., press releases or published news articles related to STEM topics). Please either: Upload your resume and all three writing samples together as a single PDF or Word document, or Copy and paste your writing samples into the Cover Letter section of the application.
Position Summary
In collaboration with the Assistant Dean, Chief Marketing Communications Officer (CMO) and other members on the school's Communications team, the Senior Writer and Public Information Officer (PIO) will leverage their substantial media relationships and the school's media-monitoring platform to develop a strategic media relations plan with minimal supervision. This includes developing and maintaining the general/trade/topic-specific media lists for UCLA Samueli, finding compelling news-worthy pitches from research and other school activities, working with traditional and digital-media journalists to identify story ideas suitable for our faculty and/or students, positioning select faculty experts as go-to sources for target media outlets, formalizing a proactive and strategic program designed to generate consistent and positive external news coverage, etc. UCLA Engineering faculty are at the forefront of many exciting research areas, including robotics, artificial intelligence/machine learning, computational medicine, climate change, sustainability, quantum computing, data sciences, cryptography and many other emerging technologies. The PIO will gain a deep understanding and knowledge of target journalists' beats and faculty expertise to identify opportunities for media briefing and interviews on an ongoing basis.The Senior Writer/PIO is a seasoned communications professional responsible for writing and editing electronic publications, web content and social media posts. Additional writing duties in support of the Communications team include web features, event invitations, research press releases, op-eds, student and alumni profiles, monthly e-newsletters, marketing materials, presentations, school announcements and other content as directed by CMO. The PIO will assist CMO in drafting speeches and talking points for both internal and external speaking engagements of key school leadership.The PIO will coordinate with the Communications team to post on the school's main social media channels, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to ensure proactive and consistent messaging throughout the school. Working with CMO, the PIO will also be responsible for developing and implementing a proactive public-relations program, including a UCLA Samueli speaker's bureau, to raise visibility for the Dean and other key leadership in the school.UCLA Samueli is embarking on a strategic plan to grow the school, with an emphasis on attracting top faculty from diverse backgrounds around the world and setting the standard for undergraduate and graduate engineering education in an equitable and inclusive way. This position is expected to play a key role in the success of that strategic plan by elevating the school's brand among its many constituents.
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
  • A minimum of five (5) years of full-time professional experience in journalism and media relations, with demonstrated success in working with print, broadcast and electronic news outlets (Required)
  • Strong relationships with mainstream science and technology reporters, both regionally (Los Angeles) nationally and internationally. (Required)
  • Superior newsroom writing (AP Style) and editing skills; proven track record of translating technical and scientific research into compelling content for general audiences. (Required)
  • Experience spearheading high-profile media events and fielding a large number of incoming media inquiries. (Required)
  • Expertise in identifying, capturing and delivering media relations metrics to demonstrate ROI. (Required)
  • Advanced knowledge of working with social media to build and strengthen School brand. (Required)
  • Ability to think creatively and critically; prioritize workload efficiently in the face of competing deadlines and fluctuating priorities; effectively work with a team in a fast-paced setting with a positive, can-do attribute and impeccable professionalis (Required)
  • Ability to attend evening and weekend events occasionally to facilitate media coverage and other communication needs. (Required)
  • Experience working in PR agency, in-house communications, and/or nonprofit with ability to handle high pressure and deadline-driven tasks. (Required)

    • Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
  • Bachelor's Degree journalism, communications or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience (Required)

    • Special Conditions for Employment
  • Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
  • Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
  • Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

    • Schedule
    8:00am to 5:00pm
    Union/Policy Covered
    CM-Comms, Mktg, & Sales Profs
    Complete Position Description
    https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Media%20Communications%20Specialist%203%20CM%20(40817051)

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