Writers and Authors pay in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria

In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC), the median pay for writers and authors is $52.14 an hour ($108,460 a year). About 2,060 people work in this job there.

$52.14Median hourly pay
$83,200–$145,680Middle half of workers, yearly
2,060People in this job in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)

That is 41% higher than the U.S. median ($76,910). It is 16% lower than the District of Columbia median ($129,300).

Pay range for writers and authors in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$33.22$69,090
25% of workers$40.00$83,200
Half of workers (median)$52.14$108,460
75% of workers$70.04$145,680
90% of workers$82.41$171,410

Writers and Authors pay in District of Columbia metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (this page)$108,4602,060

District of Columbia unemployment rate: 5.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for writers and authors

  • Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Long-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: -0.3% over ten years, little or no change · about 11,900 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)

JobMedian yearly pay
Public Relations Specialists$101,680
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$87,160
Editors$84,800
Graphic Designers$85,420
Producers and Directors$100,270
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$101,020
Technical Writers$99,910
Advertising Sales Agents$71,620

Other job titles for this job

Greeting Card MakerSongwriterBloggerBusiness WriterMagazine WriterMusic CriticSports WriterWriterAd CopywriterAd WriterAdvertising CopywriterAdvertising Writer

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.