Writers and Authors salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Writers and Authors in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $67,230 a year ($32.32 an hour), based on BLS data for 220 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,070 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 16% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $58,140. There are 0.20 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.66). The average (mean) salary is $71,980, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,990 | $21.63 |
| 25th percentile | $56,800 | $27.31 |
| Median | $67,230 | $32.32 |
| 75th percentile | $84,990 | $40.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,070 | $49.07 |
| Average (mean) | $71,980 | $34.60 |
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 | $5,602.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,801.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,585.77 |
| Weekly | $1,292.88 |
| Hourly | $32.32 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $67,230 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO | $63,030 | 40 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $57,390 | 300 |
| Topeka, KS | $51,610 | n/a |
| Springfield, MO | $51,260 | 30 |
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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,050 | $32.72 |
| Editor | $65,180 | $31.34 |
| Technical Writer | $76,590 | $36.82 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $60,850 | $29.25 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,490 | $23.31 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $44,830 | $21.55 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $70,900 | $34.09 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $45,100 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Interior Designer | $65,160 | $31.33 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $37,650 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $66,470 | $31.96 |
| Floral Designer | $35,950 | $17.29 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kansas City, MO-KS
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 Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area is $67,230 a year, or $32.32 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,070 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn at least $102,070 a year. The top 25% earn $84,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,990 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $56,800 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Kansas City, MO-KS?
About 220 writers and authors are employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.