Diet and Fitness Writers

In May 2023, median annual earnings for all writers and authors were $73,690 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $40,900, while the highest paid 10 percent earned $148,240 or more. Fifty percent of writers earned between $52,660 and $100,990. Writers who worked for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers earned mean annual salaries of $73,740. Independent writers, artists, and performers earned average salaries of $108,620.

In addition to their salaries, many writers earn additional income from freelance work. Part-time freelancers may earn from $5,000 to $25,000 a year. Freelance earnings vary widely. Full-time established freelance writers may earn more than $75,000 a year.

Benefits for full-time workers include vacation and sick time, health insurance, sometimes dental coverage, and pension or 401(k) plans. Self-employed writers must provide their own benefits.