Writers and Authors salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Writers and Authors in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $63,010 a year ($30.29 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,440 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 3% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $61,010. There are 0.22 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.71). The average (mean) salary is $67,610, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,080 | $25.04 |
| 25th percentile | $58,490 | $28.12 |
| Median | $63,010 | $30.29 |
| 75th percentile | $74,650 | $35.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $95,440 | $45.89 |
| Average (mean) | $67,610 | $32.50 |
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 | $5,250.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,625.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,423.46 |
| Weekly | $1,211.73 |
| Hourly | $30.29 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $63,010 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $67,390 | 120 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $62,110 | 40 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,000 | 50 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,660 | $33.97 |
| Editor | $63,720 | $30.64 |
| Technical Writer | $69,450 | $33.39 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,400 | $26.63 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $54,230 | $26.07 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $37,770 | $18.16 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $82,040 | $39.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,710 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $56,520 | $27.17 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Producers and Directors | $62,370 | $29.99 |
| Interior Designer | $57,840 | $27.81 |
| Photographer | $42,080 | $20.23 |
| Art Director | $90,000 | $43.27 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $63,010 a year, or $30.29 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,440 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $95,440 a year. The top 25% earn $74,650 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,080 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $58,490 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 90 writers and authors are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.