Writer and Author Salary in Illinois
Based on 3K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$68,220
$32.80/hr
vs National Average
$70,716
-3.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $134K
3K employed in Illinois
Writer and Author salary in Illinois averages $68,220 per year, according to current labor data. This median reflects compensation for approximately 2,640 writers and authors working throughout the state. However, Illinois salaries in this field run about 4% below the national average, suggesting that writers in other regions may earn slightly more for comparable work.
Several factors influence Writer and Author salary in Illinois, including experience level, specialization, and employment type. Freelance writers typically earn less predictably than those employed by publishing houses, media companies, or corporations. Geographic location within Illinois, educational background, and portfolio strength also play significant roles in determining individual earnings, with salaries ranging from $41,830 to $134,400 annually.
Salary Distribution — Writer and Author in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,830 |
| 25th percentile | $43,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,220 |
| 75th percentile | $97,280 |
| 90th percentile | $134,400 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,510 |
| 2023 | $61,250 |
| 2024 | $66,180 |
| 2025 | $68,220 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,323 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,510 | $62,421 |
| 2023 | $61,250 | $65,436 |
| 2024 | $66,180 | $66,313 |
| 2025 | $68,220 | $70,716 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,323 | $72,896 |
Writer and Author Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $68,220 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,400 |
Writer and Author Salary in Other States
Related Writer and Author Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Writer and Author ($68,220 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Writer and Author | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in IL | $80,100 | +17.4% | $38.51/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in IL | $79,120 | +16.0% | $38.04/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in IL | $78,470 | +15.0% | $37.73/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in IL | $76,380 | +12.0% | $36.72/hr |
| Editor in IL | $76,060 | +11.5% | $36.57/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in IL | $67,380 | -1.2% | $32.39/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IL | $62,540 | -8.3% | $30.07/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in IL | $59,220 | -13.2% | $28.47/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in IL | $68,530 | +0.5% | $32.95/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in IL | $64,280 | -5.8% | $30.90/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IL | $64,020 | -6.2% | $30.78/hr |
| Computer Programmer in IL | $72,540 | +6.3% | $34.88/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do writers and authors make in Illinois?
- The median salary for writers and authors in Illinois is $68,220 per year, or approximately $33 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, falling 3.5% lower than what writers earn across the United States.
What is the salary range for authors in Illinois?
- Writers and authors in Illinois can expect salaries ranging from $41,830 at the lower end to $134,400 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employment type within the profession.
How many writers and authors work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 2,640 writers and authors currently employed in Illinois. This represents the total workforce in this profession across the state.
Is writing a well-paid career in Illinois compared to the national average?
- Writing careers in Illinois offer slightly lower compensation than the national average, with Illinois salaries running 3.5% below the national median. However, with a median salary of $68,220 annually, it remains a viable professional career path in the state.