Writers and Authors salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
Writers and Authors in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area earn a median of $65,630 a year ($31.55 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,610 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $76,910. There are 0.17 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.55). The average (mean) salary is $75,260, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,830 | $23.00 |
| 25th percentile | $54,540 | $26.22 |
| Median | $65,630 | $31.55 |
| 75th percentile | $89,170 | $42.87 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $111,610 | $53.66 |
| Average (mean) | $75,260 | $36.18 |
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 | $5,469.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,734.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,524.23 |
| Weekly | $1,262.12 |
| Hourly | $31.55 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $65,630 salary, see how much house you can afford in New York 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $78,050 | 90 |
| Syracuse, NY | $71,520 | 50 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $69,320 | 30 |
| Rochester, NY | $68,600 | 110 |
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 Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $69,380 | $33.36 |
| Editor | $71,520 | $34.39 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $65,350 | $31.42 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| Technical Writer | $78,300 | $37.65 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $99,620 | $47.90 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $50,000 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $60,000 | $28.85 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,560 | $20.46 |
| Producers and Directors | $79,450 | $38.20 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $55.43 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $58,700 | $28.22 |
| Interior Designer | $56,420 | $27.13 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
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 Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area is $65,630 a year, or $31.55 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $111,610 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area earn at least $111,610 a year. The top 25% earn $89,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,830 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $54,540 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
About 90 writers and authors are employed in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.