Writers and Authors salary in Salt Lake City-Murray, UT
Writers and Authors in the Salt Lake City-Murray, UT metro area earn a median of $76,390 a year ($36.73 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $112,050 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 18% higher than the Utah statewide median of $64,530. There are 0.26 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $77,830, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Salt Lake City-Murray, UT
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,260 | $17.43 |
| 25th percentile | $63,060 | $30.32 |
| Median | $76,390 | $36.73 |
| 75th percentile | $91,770 | $44.12 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $112,050 | $53.87 |
| Average (mean) | $77,830 | $37.42 |
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 | $6,365.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,182.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,938.08 |
| Weekly | $1,469.04 |
| Hourly | $36.73 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $76,390 salary, see how much house you can afford in Utah 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | $62,060 | 140 |
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 Utah statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salt Lake City-Murray, UT
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $65,440 | $31.46 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $65,770 | $31.62 |
| Editor | $67,400 | $32.40 |
| Technical Writer | $82,050 | $39.45 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $79,760 | $38.35 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $55,390 | $26.63 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,730 | $23.43 |
| Graphic Designer | $65,450 | $31.46 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,120 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $41,940 | $20.16 |
| Interior Designer | $62,510 | $30.06 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $31,430 | — |
| Floral Designer | $37,590 | $18.07 |
| Actor | — | $31.19 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Salt Lake City-Murray, UT
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 Salt Lake City-Murray, UT?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Salt Lake City-Murray, UT metro area is $76,390 a year, or $36.73 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $112,050 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Salt Lake City-Murray, UT?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Salt Lake City-Murray, UT metro area earn at least $112,050 a year. The top 25% earn $91,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Salt Lake City-Murray, UT?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,260 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $63,060 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Salt Lake City-Murray, UT?
About 210 writers and authors are employed in the Salt Lake City-Murray, UT metro area, not counting the self-employed.