Writers and Authors salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Writers and Authors in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA metro area earn a median of $65,290 a year ($31.39 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $56,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $96,280 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 23% lower than the Massachusetts statewide median of $85,260. There are 0.69 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $75,660, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $56,070 | $26.96 |
| 25th percentile | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| Median | $65,290 | $31.39 |
| 75th percentile | $85,170 | $40.95 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $96,280 | $46.29 |
| Average (mean) | $75,660 | $36.37 |
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 | $5,440.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,720.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,511.15 |
| Weekly | $1,255.58 |
| Hourly | $31.39 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $65,290 salary, see how much house you can afford in Massachusetts at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Writers and Authors salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $85,260 | 1,130 |
| Worcester, MA | $80,490 | 80 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $70,620 | 120 |
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 |
See Writers and Authors pay in every state or the Massachusetts statewide figures.
Related jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $72,610 | $34.91 |
| Editor | $78,700 | $37.84 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $65,750 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $65,510 | $31.50 |
| Producers and Directors | $79,700 | $38.32 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $67,100 | $32.26 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,290 | $20.33 |
| Floral Designer | $39,170 | $18.83 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
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 Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA metro area is $65,290 a year, or $31.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $56,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $96,280 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA metro area earn at least $96,280 a year. The top 25% earn $85,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $56,070 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $63,090 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
About 50 writers and authors are employed in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA metro area, not counting the self-employed.