Writers and Authors Salary in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, writers and authors earn $78,440 at the median — $37.71 an hour. The range runs from $49K at the entry level to $137K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $78K get you in Massachusetts?
About writers and authors
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Massachusetts
Entry-level writers and authors (10th percentile) start around $49K. Mid-career wages sit at $78K.Top earners bring in $137K or more - a $88K spread from bottom to top.
Writers and Authors pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $121K | +68% | 1,240 |
| Maryland | $108K | +49% | 620 |
| Washington | $86K | +19% | 900 |
| Vermont | $86K | +19% | 60 |
| Virginia | $81K | +12% | 1,630 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +12% | 640 |
| California | $80K | +11% | 8,950 |
| Massachusetts | $78K | +9% | 1,260 |
| Oregon | $78K | +8% | 850 |
| New Jersey | $76K | +5% | 1,610 |
| New Mexico | $74K | +2% | 60 |
| Texas | $72K | -1% | 2,100 |
| Louisiana | $71K | -2% | 380 |
| Ohio | $68K | -6% | 960 |
| West Virginia | $67K | -7% | 100 |
Track writers and authors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Massachusetts numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do writers and authors make in Massachusetts?
The median is $78,440 a year - that works out to about $37.71 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,810, and experienced writers and authors can clear $137,130. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $78K enough to live in Massachusetts?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,971/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,056/month (median of metro areas), which eats 41.4% 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts 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 $78,440 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.