Columnists

Like reporters' salaries, the incomes of columnists vary greatly according to experience, newspaper or magazine size and location, and whether the columnist is under a union contract. But generally, columnists earn higher salaries than reporters.

Writers who worked for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers earned mean annual salaries of $73,740 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,900, and the top 10 percent earned more than $148,240. Fifty percent of writers earned between $52,660 and $100,990. Popular columnists earn considerably higher salaries. Many receive additional earnings from book sales, media appearances, and speeches to professional associations and other organizations. Others generate income from publishing newsletters and articles on subscription-based, online platforms such as Substack.

Freelancers may get paid by the column. Syndicates pay columnists 40 percent to 60 percent of the sales income generated by their columns or a flat fee if only one column is being sold.

Freelancers must provide their own benefits. Columnists working on staff at newspapers and magazines receive typical benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation days, sick days, and retirement plans.