Writers and Authors salary in Albuquerque, NM
Writers and Authors in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $53,490 a year ($25.72 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,100 for the top 10%. That is 30% lower than the national median of $76,910. There are 0.14 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.44). The average (mean) salary is $60,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| 25th percentile | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Median | $53,490 | $25.72 |
| 75th percentile | $61,760 | $29.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $93,100 | $44.76 |
| Average (mean) | $60,240 | $28.96 |
Half of writers and authors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,457.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,228.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,057.31 |
| Weekly | $1,028.65 |
| Hourly | $25.72 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $53,490 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for writers and authors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $129,300 |
| Maryland | $104,330 |
| Connecticut | $98,460 |
| Vermont | $94,430 |
| Louisiana | $89,520 |
| California | $86,480 |
| Washington | $85,700 |
| Massachusetts | $85,260 |
| Virginia | $85,000 |
| New Jersey | $81,590 |
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,640 | $35.40 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $75,230 | $36.17 |
| Technical Writer | $86,790 | $41.72 |
| Editor | $65,190 | $31.34 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $56,190 | $27.01 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $40,400 | $19.42 |
| Graphic Designer | $63,810 | $30.68 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,380 | — |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,220 | $22.22 |
| Producers and Directors | $59,910 | $28.80 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $50,860 | $24.45 |
| Photographer | $48,090 | $23.12 |
| Floral Designer | $35,000 | $16.83 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-3043. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a writers and authors make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $53,490 a year, or $25.72 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,380 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,100 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $93,100 a year. The top 25% earn $61,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,380 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $47,380 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 60 writers and authors are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.