Writers and Authors salary in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
Writers and Authors in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn a median of $61,980 a year ($29.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $53,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,690 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $76,910. There are 0.14 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.45). The average (mean) salary is $72,480, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $53,310 | $25.63 |
| 25th percentile | $59,230 | $28.47 |
| Median | $61,980 | $29.80 |
| 75th percentile | $92,370 | $44.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,690 | $49.37 |
| Average (mean) | $72,480 | $34.84 |
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 | $5,165 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,582.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,383.85 |
| Weekly | $1,191.92 |
| Hourly | $29.80 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,980 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $75,760 | 510 |
| 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 Lansing-East Lansing, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,550 | $34.40 |
| Editor | $65,400 | $31.44 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $50,400 | $24.23 |
| Technical Writer | $82,670 | $39.74 |
| Graphic Designer | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $51,270 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $36,350 | $17.48 |
| Producers and Directors | $72,350 | $34.79 |
| Photographer | $46,270 | $22.25 |
| Art Director | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| Floral Designer | $36,680 | $17.64 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $51,080 | $24.56 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,160 | $38.54 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $28.69 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Lansing-East Lansing, 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 Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area is $61,980 a year, or $29.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $53,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,690 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area earn at least $102,690 a year. The top 25% earn $92,370 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $53,310 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $59,230 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Lansing-East Lansing, MI?
About 30 writers and authors are employed in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.