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Arts & Media

Writers and Authors Salary in New Jersey

In New Jersey, writers and authors earn $75,640 at the median — $36.36 an hour. The range runs from $46K at the entry level to $119K for experienced workers.

AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)

$76K
Median annual
$36.36/hr
Hourly rate
$46K
Entry level (10th %)
$119K
Senior level (90th %)

So what does $76K get you in New Jersey?

Take-home$4,909/mo
2BR rent (est.)-$1,792/mo
Rent burden36.5% (above 30%)
COL-adjusted salary$75,640/yr
After rent$3,117/mo
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About writers and authors

U.S. employed: 1,610
Category: Arts & Media
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Compensation breakdown

Annual earnings by percentile, New Jersey

Bar chart showing Writers and Authors salary percentiles in New Jersey: 10th percentile $45,790, 25th percentile $53,990, median $75,640, 75th percentile $96,160, 90th percentile $119,180. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.10th$46K25th$54KMedian$76K75th$96K90th$119K
Bar chart showing Writers and Authors salary percentiles in New Jersey: 10th percentile $45,790, 25th percentile $53,990, median $75,640, 75th percentile $96,160, 90th percentile $119,180. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry-level writers and authors (10th percentile) start around $46K. Mid-career wages sit at $76K.Top earners bring in $119K or more - a $73K spread from bottom to top.

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Writers and Authors pay across states

Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure

StateMedian salaryvs. nationalEmployment
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 New Jersey numbers change.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do writers and authors make in New Jersey?

The median is $75,640 a year - that works out to about $36.36 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,790, and experienced writers and authors can clear $119,180. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.

Is $76K enough to live in New Jersey?

On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,909/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,792/month (median of metro areas), which eats 36.5% 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 New Jersey?

New Jersey 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 $75,640 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.

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