Writers and Authors Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $69,150 -4.3% vs national
Median hourly $33.24
10th percentile $38,590
90th percentile $114,500
Employed locally 1,590
National median $72,270

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Writers and Authors
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,590
    25th
    $51,180
    50th (median)
    $69,150
    75th
    $93,750
    90th
    $114,500

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Writers and Authors salary vs area income 78% Median Writers and Authors salary is 22% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Writers and Authors

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $121,160
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $107,810
    Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area $107,590
    Maryland $107,540
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $106,340
    Fort Collins-Loveland, CO $102,570

    Nearby metros — Writers and Authors salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $84,520
    Charlottesville, VA $83,090
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $80,950
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $80,470
    Durham-Chapel Hill, NC $76,680
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $75,890

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $47,770
    Graphic Designers $62,490
    Public Relations Specialists $63,910
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $38,640
    Editors $71,600
    Producers and Directors $78,490

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Writers and Authors make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Writers and Authors in Chicago, IL-IN is $33.24, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $64.76 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Writers and Authors salaries?

    The median Writers and Authors salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 4.3% below the national median of $72,270. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Writers and Authors in Chicago?

    Entry-level Writers and Authors (10th percentile) earn around $38,590 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $51,180.