Writer and Author Salary in the United States
Based on 39K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$70,716
$34.00/hr
▲ 6.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$44K – $115K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
39K
workers nationwide
The median Writer and Author salary in the United States is $70,716 per year, which equates to approximately $34 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for professionals in this field, with a common salary range falling between $44,049 and $115,308 annually.
Several factors can influence a Writer and Author's earning potential, including experience level, specialization (such as technical writing or creative fiction), the industry they work in, and geographic location. For instance, writers in the District of Columbia report a significantly higher median salary, demonstrating the impact of regional demand and cost of living on compensation.
Salary Distribution — Writer and Author
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,049 |
| 25th percentile | $54,831 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,716 |
| 75th percentile | $89,683 |
| 90th percentile | $115,308 |
Writer and Author Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Writer and Author
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $129,300 | +82.8% | 1K |
| 2 | Maryland | $104,330 | +47.5% | 540 |
| 3 | Connecticut | $98,460 | +39.2% | 480 |
| 4 | Vermont | $94,430 | +33.5% | 110 |
| 5 | Louisiana | $89,520 | +26.6% | 480 |
| 6 | California | $86,480 | +22.3% | 8K |
| 7 | Washington | $85,700 | +21.2% | 770 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $85,260 | +20.6% | 1K |
| 9 | Virginia | $85,000 | +20.2% | 2K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $81,590 | +15.4% | 1K |
Writer and Author Salary by Industry
How much Writer and Authors earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($131,800 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $131,800 | +86.4% | 40 |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,910 | +52.6% | 2K |
| 3 | Finance and Insurance | $95,260 | +34.7% | 1K |
| 4 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $84,620 | +19.7% | 2K |
| 5 | Administrative and Support Services | $84,040 | +18.8% | 2K |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $81,690 | +15.5% | 370 |
| 7 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $79,130 | +11.9% | 1K |
| 8 | Transportation and Warehousing | $78,840 | +11.5% | 150 |
| 9 | Wholesale Trade | $78,410 | +10.9% | 1K |
| 10 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $77,860 | +10.1% | 13K |
| 11 | Retail Trade | $76,110 | +7.6% | 910 |
| 12 | Information | $74,590 | +5.5% | 12K |
| 13 | Educational Services | $72,610 | +2.7% | 3K |
| 14 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $67,040 | -5.2% | 80 |
| 15 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $60,230 | -14.8% | 7K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Writer and Author
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,421 |
| 2023 | $65,436 |
| 2024 | $66,313 |
| 2025 | $70,716 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,959 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Writer and Author Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $54,831 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,716 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $89,683 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $115,308 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Writer and Author in the US?
- The salary range for Writers and Authors in the United States generally falls between $44,049 and $115,308 per year. This wide spectrum reflects the diverse roles and experience levels within the profession.
How much does the average Writer and Author earn per year?
- The median annual salary for a Writer and Author in the US is $70,716. This means half of all professionals in this role earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
Which state pays Writers and Authors the most?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest reported salary for Writers and Authors, with an average of $129,300 per year. This indicates a strong demand and potentially higher cost of living in that region.
Is the hourly wage for a Writer and Author significantly different from the annual median?
- No, the hourly wage is closely aligned with the annual median. A $70,716 annual salary for a Writer and Author translates to approximately $34 per hour, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.