Writers and Authors salary in South Dakota
Writers and Authors in South Dakota earn a median of $56,700 a year ($27.26 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,760 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,890 for the top 10%. That is 26% lower than the national median of $76,910. South Dakota ranks 35th of 43 states for writers and authors pay. There are 0.14 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.44). The average (mean) salary is $57,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| 25th percentile | $54,080 | $26.00 |
| Median | $56,700 | $27.26 |
| 75th percentile | $59,710 | $28.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $68,890 | $33.12 |
| Average (mean) | $57,230 | $27.52 |
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 | $4,725 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,362.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,180.77 |
| Weekly | $1,090.38 |
| Hourly | $27.26 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $56,700 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $40,630 | $19.53 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $53,140 | $25.55 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,520 | $31.02 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,520 | $20.92 |
| Editor | $56,730 | $27.28 |
| Technical Writer | $63,350 | $30.46 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $75,210 | $36.16 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $36,360 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $48,390 | $23.26 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,190 | $19.32 |
| Choreographer | $40,320 | $19.39 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $60,110 | $28.90 |
| Floral Designer | $33,910 | $16.30 |
| Photographer | $45,330 | $21.79 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
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 South Dakota?
The median salary for writers and authors in South Dakota is $56,700 a year, or $27.26 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,760 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,890 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of writers and authors in South Dakota earn at least $68,890 a year. The top 25% earn $59,710 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,760 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $54,080 or less.
How many writers and authors work in South Dakota?
About 60 writers and authors are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.