Writers and Authors salary in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
Writers and Authors in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn a median of $75,760 a year ($36.42 an hour), based on BLS data for 510 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,870 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,330 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $76,910. There are 0.27 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $83,390, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,870 | $23.50 |
| 25th percentile | $61,820 | $29.72 |
| Median | $75,760 | $36.42 |
| 75th percentile | $106,550 | $51.23 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $121,330 | $58.33 |
| Average (mean) | $83,390 | $40.09 |
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 | $6,313.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,156.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,913.85 |
| Weekly | $1,456.92 |
| Hourly | $36.42 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $75,760 salary, see how much house you can afford 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $61,980 | 30 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $37,330 | 190 |
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 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,100 | $31.78 |
| Editor | $65,740 | $31.61 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Technical Writer | $92,390 | $44.42 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $77,180 | $37.11 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $51,000 | $24.52 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $69,100 | $33.22 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $46,970 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $60,210 | $28.95 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,970 | $18.26 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $108,180 | $52.01 |
| Producers and Directors | $76,290 | $36.68 |
| Interior Designer | $59,210 | $28.47 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $62,910 | $30.24 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
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 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area is $75,760 a year, or $36.42 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,870 for the lowest-paid 10% to $121,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area earn at least $121,330 a year. The top 25% earn $106,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,870 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $61,820 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI?
About 510 writers and authors are employed in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.