Writers and Authors Salary in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, writers and authors earn $58,170 at the median — $27.97 an hour. The range runs from $21K at the entry level to $135K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Pennsylvania. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $58K get you in Pennsylvania?
About writers and authors
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Pennsylvania
Entry-level writers and authors (10th percentile) start around $21K. Mid-career wages sit at $58K. Top earners bring in $135K or more, a $114K spread from bottom to top.
Writers and Authors salary by metro in Pennsylvania
6 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $76K | +30% | 720 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $67K | +16% | 40 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $67K | +14% | 60 |
| Lancaster | $53K | -9% | 40 |
| Reading | $50K | -14% | 30 |
| Pittsburgh | $49K | -16% | 190 |
Compare to other states
Track writers and authors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Pennsylvania numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do writers and authors make in Pennsylvania?
The median is $58,170 a year, that works out to about $28 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $21,030, and experienced writers and authors can clear $134,780. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $58K enough to live in Pennsylvania?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,916/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,351/month, which eats 34.5% 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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 $61,251 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.