Writers and Authors salary in Iowa City, IA
Writers and Authors in the Iowa City, IA metro area earn a median of $49,000 a year ($23.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,860 for the top 10%. That is 36% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 20% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $61,010. 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 $55,070, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Iowa City, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,260 | $23.20 |
| 25th percentile | $48,260 | $23.20 |
| Median | $49,000 | $23.56 |
| 75th percentile | $61,010 | $29.33 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,860 | $31.67 |
| Average (mean) | $55,070 | $26.48 |
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 | $4,083.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,041.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,884.62 |
| Weekly | $942.31 |
| Hourly | $23.56 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,000 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 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $63,010 | 90 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $62,110 | 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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Iowa City, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,170 | $30.85 |
| Editor | $63,440 | $30.50 |
| Graphic Designer | $49,350 | $23.73 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,720 | $18.13 |
| Interior Designer | $58,890 | $28.31 |
| Producers and Directors | $63,090 | $30.33 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Iowa City, 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 Iowa City, IA?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Iowa City, IA metro area is $49,000 a year, or $23.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,860 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Iowa City, IA?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Iowa City, IA metro area earn at least $65,860 a year. The top 25% earn $61,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Iowa City, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,260 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $48,260 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Iowa City, IA?
About 50 writers and authors are employed in the Iowa City, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.