Writers and Authors Salary in Iowa
In Iowa, writers and authors earn $54,990 at the median — $26.44 an hour. The range runs from $32K at the entry level to $81K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $55K get you in Iowa?
About writers and authors
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level writers and authors (10th percentile) start around $32K. Mid-career wages sit at $55K. Top earners bring in $81K or more, a $49K spread from bottom to top.
Writers and Authors salary by metro in Iowa
1 metro area with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $58K | +6% | 110 |
Compare to other states
Track writers and authors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do writers and authors make in Iowa?
The median is $54,990 a year, that works out to about $26 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $31,990, and experienced writers and authors can clear $81,170. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $55K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,626/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 29.3% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a writers and authors salary go in Iowa?
Iowa 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 $61,884 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.