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Lexicographers

Earnings

The earnings of lexicographers are comparable to other writers and editors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, mean annual earnings for salaried writers and authors who were employed by book, newspaper, periodical, and directory publishers were $73,740 in May 2023, and mean annual earnings for salaried editors who were employed by the aforementioned organizations were $78,500. Salaries for all writers and editors ranged from less than $38,790 to more than $148,240.

GlassDoor.com reports that lexicographers earned salaries that ranged from $58,000 to $108,000 or more in 2024, but this salary data is based on a low number of respondents.

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