Writers and Authors salary in Baton Rouge, LA
Writers and Authors in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area earn a median of $76,000 a year ($36.54 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,700 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 15% lower than the Louisiana statewide median of $89,520. There are 0.23 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.75). The average (mean) salary is $76,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Baton Rouge, LA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,210 | $14.05 |
| 25th percentile | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Median | $76,000 | $36.54 |
| 75th percentile | $104,080 | $50.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,700 | $59.95 |
| Average (mean) | $76,580 | $36.82 |
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 | $6,333.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,166.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,923.08 |
| Weekly | $1,461.54 |
| Hourly | $36.54 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $76,000 salary, see how much house you can afford in Louisiana 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 |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $79,020 | 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 Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Baton Rouge, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $54,400 | $26.16 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $49,870 | $23.98 |
| Editor | $66,340 | $31.89 |
| Technical Writer | $75,310 | $36.21 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $74,630 | $35.88 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $64,680 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $51,020 | $24.53 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,730 | $22.47 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,570 | $17.10 |
| Producers and Directors | $64,120 | $30.83 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $63,920 | — |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $65,230 | — |
| Floral Designer | $36,020 | $17.32 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Baton Rouge, LA
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 Baton Rouge, LA?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area is $76,000 a year, or $36.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Baton Rouge, LA?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area earn at least $124,700 a year. The top 25% earn $104,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Baton Rouge, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,210 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $45,200 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Baton Rouge, LA?
About 90 writers and authors are employed in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area, not counting the self-employed.