Writers and Authors Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for writers and authors in the United States was $36.98, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $21.31 |
| 25th | $28.00 |
| Median | $36.98 |
| 75th | $49.01 |
| 90th | $67.25 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do writers and authors make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $36.98; the mean hourly wage is $41.39.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for writers and authors?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $21.31 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for writers and authors?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $67.25 per hour.