Writers and Authors Salary in Washington
In Washington, writers and authors earn $86,170 at the median — $41.43 an hour. The range runs from $51K at the entry level to $130K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $86K get you in Washington?
About writers and authors
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level writers and authors (10th percentile) start around $51K. Mid-career wages sit at $86K.Top earners bring in $130K or more - a $79K 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 Washington numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do writers and authors make in Washington?
The median is $86,170 a year - that works out to about $41.43 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $51,050, and experienced writers and authors can clear $129,990. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $86K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,751/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,550/month (median of metro areas), which eats 27% 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 Washington?
Washington 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 $86,170 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.