Writers and authors Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Writers and authors in the United States is $76,910 per year — about $37 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $58,230 and $101,950 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Writers and authors
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | $127,350 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $102,570 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $118,810 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $108,460 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $107,700 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $103,060 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $97,160 |
| New Haven, CT | $94,410 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $90,060 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $98,730 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Writers and authors make in the US?
The median salary is $76,910 per year (about $37 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $58,230 and $101,950 a year.
How much do Writers and authors make per hour?
About $37 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $76,910 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Writers and authors?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
View Writers and authors jobs
Browse open positions in this career — remote and on-site roles available.
Find Writers and authors jobs →