Writers and Authors salary in District of Columbia
Writers and Authors in District of Columbia earn a median of $129,300 a year ($62.16 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,050 workers.
Pay ranges from $74,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $172,480 for the top 10%. That is 68% higher than the national median of $76,910. District of Columbia ranks 1st of 43 states for writers and authors pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 1.5 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 4.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $128,890, close to the median.
Pay range for writers and authors in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $74,990 | $36.05 |
| 25th percentile | $100,320 | $48.23 |
| Median | $129,300 | $62.16 |
| 75th percentile | $158,020 | $75.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $172,480 | $82.92 |
| Average (mean) | $128,890 | $61.97 |
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 | $10,775 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,387.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,973.08 |
| Weekly | $2,486.54 |
| Hourly | $62.16 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $129,300 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Writers and Authors salary in cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $108,460 | 2,060 |
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 District of Columbia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $102,740 | $49.40 |
| Editor | $83,920 | $40.35 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $105,390 | $50.67 |
| Technical Writer | $117,810 | $56.64 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $109,970 | $52.87 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $67,450 | $32.43 |
| Producers and Directors | $104,270 | $50.13 |
| Graphic Designer | $87,920 | $42.27 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $78,770 | $37.87 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $65,360 | — |
| Interior Designer | $98,450 | $47.33 |
| Film and Video Editors | $98,830 | $47.51 |
| Broadcast Technician | $108,270 | $52.05 |
| Photographer | $110,970 | $53.35 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia?
The median salary for writers and authors in District of Columbia is $129,300 a year, or $62.16 an hour. Pay ranges from $74,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $172,480 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in District of Columbia?
The top 10% of writers and authors in District of Columbia earn at least $172,480 a year. The top 25% earn $158,020 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in District of Columbia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $74,990 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $100,320 or less.
How many writers and authors work in District of Columbia?
About 1,050 writers and authors are employed in District of Columbia, not counting the self-employed.