Writers and Authors Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $106,340 +47.1% vs national
Median hourly $51.12
10th percentile $63,300
90th percentile $164,840
Employed locally 2,310
National median $72,270

Compare Writers and Authors salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Writers and Authors
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $63,300
    25th
    $79,640
    50th (median)
    $106,340
    75th
    $141,190
    90th
    $164,840

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Writers and Authors salary vs area income 86% Median Writers and Authors salary is 14% 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
    Fort Collins-Loveland, CO $102,570
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $100,550

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $95,370
    Editors $80,990
    Graphic Designers $82,360
    Producers and Directors $96,530
    Coaches and Scouts $54,070
    News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $99,730

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Writers and Authors in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $51.12, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $82.41 or more per hour.

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

    The median Writers and Authors salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 47.1% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Writers and Authors (10th percentile) earn around $63,300 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $79,640.