Writer and Author Salary in Tennessee
Based on 1K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$58,870
$28.30/hr
vs National Average
$70,716
-16.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $101K
1K employed in Tennessee
The median Writer and Author salary in Tennessee stands at $58,870 per year, which is 17% below the national average. This data reflects the earnings of approximately 1,260 professionals working in this field across the state, offering a snapshot of current compensation trends for creative writing roles.
Factors influencing Writer and Author salary in Tennessee include years of experience, the specific industry of employment, and the demand for particular writing skills. An individual's portfolio of published work and their specialization, such as technical writing versus fiction, also play significant roles in determining their earning potential within this creative sector.
Salary Distribution — Writer and Author in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,720 |
| 25th percentile | $47,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,870 |
| 75th percentile | $78,900 |
| 90th percentile | $100,910 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,440 |
| 2023 | $58,830 |
| 2024 | $58,620 |
| 2025 | $58,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,121 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,440 | $62,421 |
| 2023 | $58,830 | $65,436 |
| 2024 | $58,620 | $66,313 |
| 2025 | $58,870 | $70,716 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,121 | $71,018 |
Writer and Author Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,900 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,910 |
Writer and Author Salary in Other States
Related Writer and Author Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Writer and Author ($58,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Writer and Author | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in TN | $71,280 | +21.1% | $34.27/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in TN | $69,790 | +18.5% | $33.55/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in TN | $65,430 | +11.1% | $31.46/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in TN | $62,280 | +5.8% | $29.94/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in TN | $60,900 | +3.4% | $29.28/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in TN | $60,150 | +2.2% | $28.92/hr |
| Editor in TN | $59,550 | +1.2% | $28.63/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in TN | $46,250 | -21.4% | $22.24/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in TN | $58,870 | +0.0% | $28.30/hr |
| Paralegal in TN | $58,820 | -0.1% | $28.28/hr |
| Truck Driver in TN | $58,620 | -0.4% | $28.18/hr |
| Plumber in TN | $58,600 | -0.5% | $28.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a writer or author in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a writer or author in Tennessee is $58,870 per year, which is equivalent to $28 per hour. This figure indicates the midpoint of the salary spectrum for these professionals in the state.
How much can a writer or author in Tennessee expect to earn?
- Writers and authors in Tennessee typically earn between $38,720 and $100,910 annually. The specific amount earned can depend on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is the salary for writers and authors in Tennessee higher or lower than the national average?
- The median salary for writers and authors in Tennessee is 16.8% lower than the national average. This means Tennessee-based professionals in this field may earn less compared to their counterparts across the country.
How many writers and authors are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 1,260 writers and authors employed in Tennessee. This number reflects the current employment landscape for this profession within the state.