Writers and Authors salary in Rochester, NY
Writers and Authors in the Rochester, NY metro area earn a median of $68,600 a year ($32.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $43,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $148,290 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $76,910. There are 0.22 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.73). The average (mean) salary is $81,120, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Rochester, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,040 | $20.69 |
| 25th percentile | $43,040 | $20.69 |
| Median | $68,600 | $32.98 |
| 75th percentile | $92,150 | $44.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $148,290 | $71.30 |
| Average (mean) | $81,120 | $39.00 |
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 | $5,716.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,858.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,638.46 |
| Weekly | $1,319.23 |
| Hourly | $32.98 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $68,600 salary, see how much house you can afford in New York 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $78,050 | 90 |
| Syracuse, NY | $71,520 | 50 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $69,320 | 30 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $65,630 | 90 |
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 Rochester, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $71,740 | $34.49 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $77,770 | $37.39 |
| Editor | $76,620 | $36.84 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $58,180 | $27.97 |
| Technical Writer | $78,370 | $37.68 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $50,850 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $63,530 | $30.54 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,700 | $19.57 |
| Producers and Directors | $83,030 | $39.92 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,000 | $26.44 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $46.86 |
| Art Director | $102,070 | $49.07 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $84,130 | $40.45 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, NY
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 Rochester, NY?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Rochester, NY metro area is $68,600 a year, or $32.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $43,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $148,290 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Rochester, NY?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Rochester, NY metro area earn at least $148,290 a year. The top 25% earn $92,150 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Rochester, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,040 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $43,040 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Rochester, NY?
About 110 writers and authors are employed in the Rochester, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.