Writer or Editor Salary
The short answer
The median pay for writers and authors in the U.S. was $76,910 a year ($36.98 an hour) in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most earned between $44,310 and $139,870.
Pay range
- Lower pay (10% earn less)
- $44,310
- Middle (median)
- $76,910
- Higher pay (10% earn more)
- $139,870
- Median per hour
- $36.98
Government category: Writers and Authors. National figures for May 2025; pay in your area may be higher or lower.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a writer or editor make?
The median pay for writers and authors in the U.S. was $76,910 a year ($36.98 an hour) in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most earned between $44,310 and $139,870.
Can I earn this working part-time?
The figures above are for all workers, most of them full-time. Part-time pay is usually quoted per hour; the median hourly wage was $36.98. Check each listing for its exact pay and hours.