Writers and Authors Salary in Illinois
In Illinois, writers and authors earn $66,180 at the median — $31.82 an hour. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $121K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Illinois. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $66K get you in Illinois?
About writers and authors
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Illinois
Entry-level writers and authors (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $66K. Top earners bring in $121K or more, a $84K spread from bottom to top.
Writers and Authors salary by metro in Illinois
2 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $69K | +4% | 1,590 |
| Peoria | $59K | -11% | 30 |
Compare to other states
Track writers and authors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Illinois numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do writers and authors make in Illinois?
The median is $66,180 a year, that works out to about $32 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,950, and experienced writers and authors can clear $121,080. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $66K enough to live in Illinois?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,306/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,407/month, which eats 32.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a writers and authors salary go in Illinois?
Illinois has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median writers and authors salary is worth about $70,517 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do writers and authors get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.