Writers and Authors salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Writers and Authors in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area earn a median of $51,170 a year ($24.60 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,770 for the top 10%. That is 33% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 5% higher than the Kentucky statewide median of $48,780. There are 0.17 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.55). The average (mean) salary is $56,940, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Lexington-Fayette, KY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,950 | $18.24 |
| 25th percentile | $43,450 | $20.89 |
| Median | $51,170 | $24.60 |
| 75th percentile | $66,570 | $32.01 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,770 | $35.47 |
| Average (mean) | $56,940 | $27.38 |
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 | $4,264.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,132.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,968.08 |
| Weekly | $984.04 |
| Hourly | $24.60 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $51,170 salary, see how much house you can afford in Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $62,440 | 170 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $52,520 | 130 |
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 Kentucky statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,380 | $29.99 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $66,320 | $31.89 |
| Editor | $60,830 | $29.25 |
| Technical Writer | $68,900 | $33.12 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $48,820 | $23.47 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $39,210 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $58,880 | $28.31 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $41,070 | $19.75 |
| Producers and Directors | $55,460 | $26.67 |
| Interior Designer | $60,200 | $28.94 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $52,950 | $25.46 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $81,740 | $39.30 |
| Floral Designer | $36,500 | $17.55 |
| Photographer | $47,170 | $22.68 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Lexington-Fayette, KY
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 Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area is $51,170 a year, or $24.60 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,950 for the lowest-paid 10% to $73,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area earn at least $73,770 a year. The top 25% earn $66,570 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,950 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $43,450 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
About 50 writers and authors are employed in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area, not counting the self-employed.