Writer and Author Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · Medium Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $113,584 | +55.0% | Medium |
| District of Columbia | $111,386 | +52.0% | Medium |
| California | $104,058 | +42.0% | Medium |
| New York | $101,126 | +38.0% | Medium |
| Alaska | $96,730 | +32.0% | Medium |
| Massachusetts | $95,264 | +30.0% | Medium |
| New Jersey | $93,798 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Washington | $91,600 | +25.0% | Medium |
| Connecticut | $89,402 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Maryland | $84,272 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Rhode Island | $84,272 | +15.0% | Medium |
| New Hampshire | $83,539 | +14.0% | Medium |
| Oregon | $82,074 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Colorado | $80,608 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Virginia | $80,608 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Vermont | $79,142 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Delaware | $76,944 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Illinois | $76,944 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Maine | $74,746 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Nevada | $74,746 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Minnesota | $73,280 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Utah | $73,280 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Arizona | $72,547 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Pennsylvania | $72,547 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Florida | $71,814 | -2.0% | Medium |
| Montana | $69,616 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Texas | $69,616 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Georgia | $68,150 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Idaho | $68,150 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Wyoming | $68,150 | -7.0% | Medium |
| North Dakota | $67,418 | -8.0% | Medium |
| Wisconsin | $67,418 | -8.0% | Medium |
| North Carolina | $66,685 | -9.0% | Medium |
| Michigan | $65,952 | -10.0% | Medium |
| Louisiana | $64,486 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Nebraska | $64,486 | -12.0% | Medium |
| New Mexico | $64,486 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Ohio | $64,486 | -12.0% | Medium |
| South Carolina | $64,486 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Tennessee | $64,486 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Alabama | $63,754 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Missouri | $63,754 | -13.0% | Medium |
| South Dakota | $63,754 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Iowa | $63,021 | -14.0% | Medium |
| Indiana | $62,288 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Kansas | $62,288 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Oklahoma | $61,555 | -16.0% | Medium |
| Arkansas | $60,822 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Kentucky | $60,822 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Mississippi | $58,624 | -20.0% | Medium |
| West Virginia | $57,158 | -22.0% | Medium |
A Writer and Author's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Writer and Authors typically earn $39,930–$58,530 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $100,380–$118,018 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Writer and Author role currently has medium demand in the job market with a 3.5% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Creative sector.
-
What is the average salary for a Writer and Author?The average salary for a Writer and Author in the United States is $73,280 per year, with a median of $63,280.
-
What is the starting salary for a Writer and Author?Entry-level Writer and Authors typically earn between $39,930 and $58,530 per year depending on location and employer.
-
What state pays Writer and Authors the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Writer and Authors the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
-
How much does a Writer and Author make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $73,280, a Writer and Author earns approximately $35.23 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
-
Is Writer and Author a good career in 2026?Yes — the Writer and Author role has medium demand with 3.5% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.