Writers and Authors Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $90,320 +25% vs national
Median hourly $43.42
10th percentile $58,170
90th percentile $129,990
Employed locally 720
National median $72,270

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Writers and Authors
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Seattle, WA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $58,170
    25th
    $70,890
    50th (median)
    $90,320
    75th
    $117,000
    90th
    $129,990

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Writers and Authors salary vs area income 80% Median Writers and Authors salary is 20% 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
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $106,340
    Waterbury-Shelton, CT $92,280
    Washington $86,170
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $84,520
    Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $65,930
    Fort Wayne, IN $63,640

    Related occupations in Seattle, WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $48,010
    Public Relations Specialists $92,060
    Graphic Designers $82,630
    Special Effects Artists and Animators $142,690
    Editors $87,330
    Producers and Directors $81,030

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Writers and Authors in Seattle, WA is $43.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $65.73 or more per hour.

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

    The median Writers and Authors salary in Seattle, WA is 25% above 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 Seattle?

    Entry-level Writers and Authors (10th percentile) earn around $58,170 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $70,890.