Writers and Authors
Occupation
$72,270
National Median Salary
$34.75
Median Hourly Wage
47,800
Total Employment
Salary Distribution
10th percentile → 25th → Median → 75th → 90th percentile
Salary Trend (2014-2024)
+22.8%
10 Year Change
$58,850
2014 Median
$72,270
2024 Median
Best Paying Industries
Industry Wage Growth
Best Paying States
Fastest Growing States
Where This Career Pays Above Average
Top Paying Industries for Writers and Authors
| Industry | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | $146,240 | 60 |
| Chemical Manufacturing | $146,240 | 70 |
| Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures | $132,280 | — |
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | $122,830 | 1,100 |
| Software Publishers | $107,320 | 480 |
Top Paying States for Writers and Authors
| State | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $121,160 | 1,240 |
| Maryland | $107,540 | 620 |
| Washington | $86,170 | 900 |
| Vermont | $86,040 | 60 |
| Virginia | $80,990 | 1,630 |
Related Occupations
Explore Writers and Authors by State
Explore Writers and Authors by Industry
See how this career performs in specific industries
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
Chemical Manufacturing
Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
Software Publishers
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation)
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
Other Nondepository Credit Intermediation
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Temporary Help Services
Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities