Writers and Authors salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Writers and Authors in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $69,100 a year ($33.22 an hour), based on BLS data for 860 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $132,620 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 10% lower than the Colorado statewide median of $76,830. There are 0.53 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.7× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $77,800, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,060 | $20.22 |
| 25th percentile | $51,710 | $24.86 |
| Median | $69,100 | $33.22 |
| 75th percentile | $93,170 | $44.79 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $132,620 | $63.76 |
| Average (mean) | $77,800 | $37.41 |
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 | $5,758.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,879.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,657.69 |
| Weekly | $1,328.85 |
| Hourly | $33.22 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $69,100 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $102,570 | n/a |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $83,770 | 130 |
| Boulder, CO | $83,540 | 130 |
| Greeley, CO | $82,060 | 40 |
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 Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $82,930 | $39.87 |
| Editor | $78,670 | $37.82 |
| Technical Writer | $103,360 | $49.69 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $74,850 | $35.99 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $74,290 | $35.72 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $78,270 | $37.63 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $83,000 | $39.91 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $63,710 | $30.63 |
| Graphic Designer | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $44,970 | $21.62 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,110 | — |
| Interior Designer | $80,150 | $38.53 |
| Producers and Directors | $80,590 | $38.75 |
| Broadcast Technician | $78,050 | $37.52 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $69,100 a year, or $33.22 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $132,620 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $132,620 a year. The top 25% earn $93,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,060 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $51,710 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 860 writers and authors are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.