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Technical Manual Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Harbor Freight Tools

Technical Writer

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$31.53 - $47.26/hr

Technical Manual Writer will report to the Technical Manual Manager. This role requires a technical acumen with regard to instructions and proficiency in InDesign and other Adobe Creative Suite ...

DCS Corporation

Technical Writer

Point Mugu Nawc, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

You will work on materials such as manuals, reports, proposals, and instructional guides for ... Collaborate with supervisors and senior writers to receive assignments and technical information.

DCS CORPORATION

Technical Writer

Point Mugu Nawc, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

You will work on materials such as manuals, reports, proposals, and instructional guides for ... Collaborate with supervisors and senior writers to receive assignments and technical information.

DCS Corporation

Technical Writer

Point Mugu Nawc, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

You will work on materials such as manuals, reports, proposals, and instructional guides for ... Collaborate with supervisors and senior writers to receive assignments and technical information.

Anritsu

Technical Writer

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$85K - $130K/hr

You will research and translate technical information into manuals for non-technical and technical ... Write product descriptions, procedures, and maintenance tasks. Create technical and marketing ...

Anritsu Company

Technical Writer

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Develop and maintain product technical manuals and media from initial plan to publication. * Write product descriptions, procedures, and maintenance tasks. Create technical and marketing ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Technical Writer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Written content artifacts under this charter may include things like: technical manuals, operational manuals, maintenance manuals, procedures, checklists, templates, user guides, troubleshooting ...

Anduril Industries

Technical Writer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Written content artifacts under this charter may include things like: technical manuals, operational manuals, maintenance manuals, procedures, checklists, templates, user guides, troubleshooting ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Technical Writer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Written content artifacts under this charter may include things like: technical manuals, operational manuals, maintenance manuals, procedures, checklists, templates, user guides, troubleshooting ...

Prosync

Supervisory Technical Writer

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Develop, write, and edit technical manuals, reports, briefs, and instructional materials. * Supervise and review work produced by other technical writers. * Observe production and engineering ...

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Technical Manual Writer information

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$13

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$65

How much do technical manual writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for technical manual writer in California is $38.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $46.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a technical manual writer?

A Technical Manual Writer creates clear, concise, and well-structured documents that explain how to use products, machinery, or software. They research complex technical information, collaborate with engineers or developers, and translate technical jargon into user-friendly content. Their work includes manuals, user guides, troubleshooting documents, and standard operating procedures. Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of the target audience are essential for this role.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a technical manual writer?

A Technical Manual Writer typically spends their day researching products or systems, interviewing engineers or subject matter experts, and translating complex information into clear, user-friendly documentation. You may draft, revise, and format manuals, update content based on team feedback, and ensure that all materials comply with company or industry standards. Collaboration with product managers, designers, and quality assurance teams is common to ensure accuracy and usability. This role often involves managing multiple projects simultaneously and adapting to shifting priorities while delivering high-quality documentation on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a technical manual writer?

To thrive as a Technical Manual Writer, you need strong writing and editing skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of complex technical concepts, usually supported by a degree in English, communications, or a technical field. Familiarity with documentation tools like Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, Microsoft Word, and content management systems (CMS), as well as knowledge of standards such as DITA or ISO, are often required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and time management abilities help you work effectively with subject matter experts and meet project deadlines. These skills ensure the creation of clear, accurate, and user-friendly manuals that support product usability and customer satisfaction.

Are technical manual writers still in demand?

Technical manual writers are still in demand as companies require clear documentation for complex products and systems. Skills in technical writing, familiarity with tools like FrameMaker or MadCap Flare, and understanding of technical content are valuable in this field, which often offers remote work options.

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Manual Writer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Technical Manual Writer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Technical Manual Writer jobs in California?

For Technical Manual Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Technical Manual Writer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Technical Manual Writer jobs in California are:

Technical Manual Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Manual Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,940 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Technical Writer

Harbor Freight Tools

Calabasas, CA • On-site

$31.53 - $47.26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Technical Manual Writer will report to the Technical Manual Manager. This role requires a technical acumen with regard to instructions and proficiency in InDesign and other Adobe Creative Suite programs.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Carefully work through the vendor provided information to understand how the product is assembled and used.      
  • Compile information and write technical manuals, clearly and simply describing everything a consumer needs to assemble and use the product.  
  • Write clear, informative, and accurate instructions.   
  • Edit images in Photoshop to include in manuals.         
  • Edit and create illustrations from existing diagrams for manuals, as well as manuals written by co-workers, to clarify product procedures.
  • Assemble information, and layout carefully adhering to our template format in InDesign.        
  • Update finished manuals and quick start guides as needed with updates, corrections, re-writes and other changes.            
  • Edit manuals written by other writers for errors, clarity and layout.  
  • Design, layout and illustrate quick start guides.            
  • Consult with technicians to help determine steps in the process.    
  • Review manuals to determine needed steps to illustrate.       
  • Create and edit labels, to meet specific branding and legal standards, and create Label Placement Maps.               
  • Additional duties as assigned by manager        

Scope
  • Staff supervision and development: No
  • Decision making: None
  • Travel: Up to 5%
  • Flex Designation: Anywhere

The anticipated range for this position is $31.53 - $47.26 per hour depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as early access to pay, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

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