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Best States for Writers and Authors: Highest-paid Writers and Authors by State

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    Carter A
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Explore the captivating world of writers and authors, where words come alive to inspire, entertain, and enlighten readers.

This article will explore the best states for writers and authors, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid writers and authors are in California, where they earn an average of $129,340 per year.
  • The lowest-paid writers and authors are in New Mexico, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for writers and authors is $68,242 per year.

1. California ($129,340)

California Writers and Authors in California earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in California is $129,340, which is +90% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$129,340
10th Percentile$50,130
25th Percentile$67,930
75th Percentile$156,370
90th Percentile$214,100

2. New York ($111,320)

New York Writers and Authors in New York earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in New York is $111,320, which is +63% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$111,320
10th Percentile$45,530
25th Percentile$64,040
75th Percentile$129,770
90th Percentile$194,770

3. District of Columbia ($102,060)

District of Columbia Writers and Authors in District of Columbia earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in District of Columbia is $102,060, which is +50% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$102,060
10th Percentile$56,270
25th Percentile$67,910
75th Percentile$126,210
90th Percentile$150,780

4. Georgia ($92,570)

Georgia Writers and Authors in Georgia earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in Georgia is $92,570, which is +36% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$92,570
10th Percentile$37,210
25th Percentile$52,400
75th Percentile$94,110
90th Percentile$129,420

5. Oregon ($88,570)

Oregon Writers and Authors in Oregon earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in Oregon is $88,570, which is +30% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$88,570
10th Percentile$46,930
25th Percentile$55,240
75th Percentile$95,750
90th Percentile$134,840

6. Connecticut ($87,320)

Connecticut Writers and Authors in Connecticut earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in Connecticut is $87,320, which is +28% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$87,320
10th Percentile$34,210
25th Percentile$52,600
75th Percentile$105,310
90th Percentile$167,060

7. Washington ($86,420)

Washington Writers and Authors in Washington earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in Washington is $86,420, which is +27% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$86,420
10th Percentile$49,070
25th Percentile$63,470
75th Percentile$106,080
90th Percentile$115,470

8. Massachusetts ($86,350)

Massachusetts Writers and Authors in Massachusetts earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in Massachusetts is $86,350, which is +27% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$86,350
10th Percentile$43,690
25th Percentile$43,690
75th Percentile$106,150
90th Percentile$141,950

9. Virginia ($85,840)

Virginia Writers and Authors in Virginia earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in Virginia is $85,840, which is +26% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$85,840
10th Percentile$38,330
25th Percentile$57,020
75th Percentile$101,490
90th Percentile$134,640

10. Maryland ($81,880)

Maryland Writers and Authors in Maryland earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for writers and authors in Maryland is $81,880, which is +20% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$81,880
10th Percentile$36,830
25th Percentile$52,280
75th Percentile$104,650
90th Percentile$135,300

Conclusion

The highest-paid writers and authors are in California, where they earn an average of $129,340 per year. The lowest-paid writers and authors are in New Mexico, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for writers and authors is $68,242 per year and there are 53,298 jobs in the field.