Writers and Authors Salary (2025)
Based on 47,940 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $44,310 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $58,230 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $76,910 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $101,950 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $139,870 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$44K
25th
$58K
Median
$77K
75th
$102K
90th
$140K
Highest Paying States for Writers and Authors
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $128,890 |
| Connecticut | $110,420 |
| Maryland | $109,650 |
| California | $106,560 |
| Vermont | $96,260 |
| Massachusetts | $94,580 |
| Washington | $90,740 |
| Pennsylvania | $90,060 |
| Virginia | $88,260 |
| Oregon | $87,800 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Writers and Authors salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is District of Columbia at an average of $128,890 per year, while Oregon has an average of $87,800 — a difference of $41,090. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Writers and Authors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 47,940 workers were employed as Writers and Authorss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations. The annual mean wage of $86,090 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 27-3043