Writers and Editors earn a median $79,680: salary, jobs, and how to break in
The median annual salary for Writers and Editors is $79,680, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage hits $90,730, or roughly $38 an hour. Most professionals in this occupation earn between $45,590 (10th percentile) and $146,300 (90th percentile).
How much Writers and Editors earn
Pay varies widely by experience and industry. The bottom 10% of earners make $45,590 or less, while the top 10% bring home over $146,300. The median—the midpoint—sits at $79,680. That puts Writers and Editors solidly above the national median for all occupations ($48,060 in May 2023).
- Mean hourly wage: $43.62
- Top industries: advertising, publishing, and technical writing pay above median
- Freelance income is not captured in these wage estimates
Pay by state
BLS data for this occupation does not include state-level breakdowns in the current release. Salary site readers often compare regional costs, but national figures are the best available for Writers and Editors. For a rough guide, states with high cost of living like New York or California typically pay above the national median, while lower-cost states pay below.
How to become Writers and Editors
Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field. Strong writing samples—clips from school newspapers, blogs, internships—carry more weight than credentials. For specialized writing (tech, medical, legal), subject-matter expertise or a minor can help.
- Get a degree: BA in English, journalism, or communications is typical
- Build a portfolio: publish in student media, start a blog, or freelance for local outlets
- Gain experience: internships at newspapers, magazines, or marketing agencies are common entry points
- Certifications are not required but optional: e.g., American Copy Editors Society or technical writing certificates
- Network: join professional groups like the National Writers Union or Editorial Freelancers Association
Job outlook
The BLS does not project growth for this specific occupation between 2024 and 2034 due to data limitations. Overall employment for writers and authors is expected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as average. Decline in print media may be offset by demand for digital content, marketing, and technical writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Writers and Editors?
The median annual wage is $79,680, with a mean of $90,730.
What is the salary range for Writers and Editors?
The bottom 10% earn $45,590 or less; the top 10% earn $146,300 or more.
What education do you need to become a writer or editor?
A bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications is typical. A strong portfolio and internships matter more than the specific major.
How many Writers and Editors jobs are there in the US?
The BLS reports 185,130 jobs as of May 2023.
Is the job outlook for Writers and Editors good?
The BLS does not provide a specific 10-year projection for this occupation, but overall writer employment is expected to grow about 4% from 2022 to 2032, about average.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Writers and Editors data.