Writers and Authors salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Writers and Authors in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area earn a median of $47,300 a year ($22.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,380 for the top 10%. That is 38% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 26% lower than the North Carolina statewide median of $63,660. There are 0.24 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.79). The average (mean) salary is $57,270, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,990 | $19.23 |
| 25th percentile | $47,300 | $22.74 |
| Median | $47,300 | $22.74 |
| 75th percentile | $59,190 | $28.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,380 | $35.28 |
| Average (mean) | $57,270 | $27.54 |
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 | $3,941.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,970.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,819.23 |
| Weekly | $909.62 |
| Hourly | $22.74 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $47,300 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $84,130 | 130 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $73,460 | 160 |
| Asheville, NC | $70,280 | 90 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $69,100 | 360 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $63,720 | 420 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $63,270 | 100 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $61,460 | 50 |
| Wilmington, NC | $47,940 | 180 |
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 North Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $58,270 | $28.01 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $53,790 | $25.86 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $32,510 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,900 | $18.22 |
| Graphic Designer | $50,540 | $24.30 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $62,990 | $30.28 |
| Interior Designer | $60,250 | $28.97 |
| Photographer | $44,840 | $21.56 |
| Producers and Directors | $54,890 | $26.39 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area is $47,300 a year, or $22.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,380 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area earn at least $73,380 a year. The top 25% earn $59,190 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,990 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $47,300 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
About 40 writers and authors are employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metro area, not counting the self-employed.