Writer and Author Salary in Colorado
Based on 1K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$76,830
$36.94/hr
vs National Average
$70,716
+8.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $133K
1K employed in Colorado
Writers and authors in Colorado earn a median salary of $76,830 per year, which is 9% above the national average. With approximately 1,300 workers employed in this field across the state, Colorado's writing profession offers competitive compensation. Salaries in this sector range from $42,810 to $132,630 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Writer and Author salary in Colorado is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, type of writing specialty, and employment setting. Published authors with established audiences typically command higher rates than those just beginning their careers. Additionally, writers working in technical, corporate, or specialized content areas often earn more than those in general journalism or creative writing roles.
Salary Distribution — Writer and Author in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,810 |
| 25th percentile | $51,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,830 |
| 75th percentile | $95,420 |
| 90th percentile | $132,630 |
Top-Paying Industries for Writer and Author (U.S.)
Which industries pay Writer and Authors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Writer and Authors in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $131,800 | 40 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,910 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $95,260 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $84,620 | 2K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $84,040 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Writer and Author in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,790 |
| 2023 | $76,170 |
| 2025 | $76,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,496 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,790 | $62,421 |
| 2023 | $76,170 | $65,436 |
| 2025 | $76,830 | $70,716 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,496 | $71,329 |
Writer and Author Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,630 |
Writer and Author Salary in Other States
Related Writer and Author Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Writer and Author ($76,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Writer and Author | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in CO | $96,090 | +25.1% | $46.20/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in CO | $93,050 | +21.1% | $44.74/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in CO | $83,590 | +8.8% | $40.19/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in CO | $80,680 | +5.0% | $38.79/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CO | $79,970 | +4.1% | $38.45/hr |
| Editor in CO | $77,870 | +1.4% | $37.44/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CO | $75,790 | -1.4% | $36.44/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CO | $63,670 | -17.1% | $30.61/hr |
| Librarian in CO | $76,480 | -0.5% | $36.77/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CO | $77,500 | +0.9% | $37.26/hr |
| Title Examiner in CO | $77,600 | +1.0% | $37.31/hr |
| Producer and Director in CO | $78,060 | +1.6% | $37.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do writers and authors make in Colorado?
- The median salary for writers and authors in Colorado is $76,830 per year, or $37 per hour. This is 8.6% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive market for writing professionals.
What is the salary range for authors in Colorado?
- Writers and authors in Colorado earn between $42,810 and $132,630 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employment type. This wide range reflects the diversity of writing careers in the state.
Is Colorado a good state for writers to work?
- Yes, Colorado offers above-average compensation for writers and authors, with salaries 8.6% higher than the national average. There are approximately 1,300 writers and authors currently employed in the state.
What's the hourly rate for writers and authors in Colorado?
- Writers and authors in Colorado earn an average of $37 per hour based on the median annual salary of $76,830. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on whether you're freelancing or employed full-time.