Writer and Author Salary in the United States
Based on 39K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$70,716
$33.998/hr
▲ 6.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$75K – $172K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
39K
workers nationwide
Writer and Author salary in the United States reflects the diverse opportunities available in this creative field. The median salary for writers and authors stands at $66,313 per year, providing a benchmark for professionals entering or established in the industry. With approximately 39,520 workers employed in this field, writers and authors comprise a significant portion of the creative workforce across the nation.
Several factors influence Writer and Author salary in the United States, including experience level, specialization, and employment type. Writers working in technical fields or corporate settings typically earn higher wages than those in creative writing or journalism. Geographic location, publication success, freelance versus full-time status, and industry sector all contribute to the wide salary range of $63,790 to $176,550, demonstrating substantial earning potential for experienced professionals.
Salary Distribution — Writer and Author
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,990 |
| 25th percentile | $100,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,716 |
| 75th percentile | $158,020 |
| 90th percentile | $172,480 |
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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Writer and Author
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,421 |
| 2023 | $65,436 |
| 2024 | $66,313 |
| 2025 | $70,716 |
Writer and Author Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do writers and authors make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly wage for writers and authors in the United States is $32/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $66,313, though hourly rates can vary significantly depending on experience, location, and employment type.
What city pays writers and authors the most money?
- The District of Columbia is the top paying city for writers and authors, with an average salary of $121,160 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median salary of $66,313.
Is there a big salary difference between entry-level and experienced writers?
- Yes, there is a substantial salary range for writers and authors in the United States, spanning from $63,790 to $176,550 annually. This $112,760 difference demonstrates that experience and specialization can significantly impact earning potential in this field.
How many writers and authors are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 39,520 writers and authors currently employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce in this profession across all states and employment sectors.