Writers

In May 2023, average annual earnings for salaried writers and authors were $87,590 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $40,900, while the highest paid 10 percent earned $148,240 or more. Some specialties pay better than others. For example, writers who work in newspaper, periodical, directory, and book publishing earned mean annual salaries of $73,740, while those employed in advertising, public relations, and related services earned mean annual salaries of $79,200. Writers who worked for media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers earned average salaries of $119,150.

Full-time bloggers earned salaries that ranged from $55,000 to $103,000 in April 2025, according to Glassdoor.com. Some bloggers earn stipends based on the number of “hits” their blogs receive. Others sell advertising space at their Web sites, which helps them generate revenue.

In addition to their salaries, many writers earn some income from freelance work. Part-time freelancers often charge by the hour and rates vary based on the project. Fees may range from $42 to $85 an hour for writing Web copy to $45 to $95 an hour for writing newsletters, brochures, or articles. Rate may be as much as $100 or more per hour for writing grants and business proposals. Freelance earnings vary widely. Full-time established freelance writers may earn $50,000 a year or more.

Depending on their employers, most salaried writers enjoy a full complement of benefits, including vacation and sick time as well as holidays and medical and dental insurance. Self-employed writers must provide their own benefits.