What Does it Take to Be a Writer or Author?
Writer or Author Example Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
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Types of Writer or Author Jobs
- Verse Writer
- Television Writer
- Advertising Copy Writer
- Biographer
- Poet
Writer or Author Employment Estimates
There were about 131,200 jobs for Writer or Author in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,000 new jobs for Writer or Author by 2026. There will be an estimated 12,600 positions for Writer or Author per year.

The states with the most job growth for Writer or Author are Utah, Washington, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, New Mexico, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Writer or Author
The average yearly salary of a Writer or Author ranges between $31,700 and $121,670.

Writers and Authors who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Writers and Authors make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $58,590 |
Alaska | $64,200 |
Arizona | $55,410 |
Arkansas | $48,670 |
California | $96,910 |
Colorado | $65,450 |
Connecticut | $78,440 |
Delaware | $60,690 |
District of Columbia | $101,690 |
Florida | $53,140 |
Georgia | $63,260 |
Hawaii | $50,740 |
Idaho | $52,570 |
Illinois | $68,710 |
Indiana | $61,920 |
Iowa | $50,680 |
Kansas | $62,670 |
Kentucky | $54,320 |
Louisiana | $44,710 |
Maine | $61,090 |
Maryland | $75,430 |
Massachusetts | $70,000 |
Michigan | $60,850 |
Minnesota | $67,300 |
Mississippi | $53,810 |
Missouri | $57,420 |
Montana | $47,440 |
Nebraska | $45,280 |
Nevada | $53,730 |
New Hampshire | $56,850 |
New Jersey | $81,160 |
New Mexico | $49,460 |
New York | $86,380 |
North Carolina | $67,250 |
North Dakota | $48,060 |
Ohio | $48,380 |
Oklahoma | $50,490 |
Oregon | $69,050 |
Pennsylvania | $60,140 |
Rhode Island | $63,820 |
South Dakota | $49,410 |
Tennessee | $55,370 |
Texas | $56,680 |
Utah | $54,660 |
Vermont | $62,260 |
Virginia | $68,600 |
Washington | $65,200 |
West Virginia | $64,480 |
Wisconsin | $59,360 |
Writers and Authors Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Writers and Authors employed by various industries.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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