Writers and Authors pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for writers and authors is $36.51 an hour ($75,940 a year). About 2,120 people work in this job there.
That is about the same as the U.S. median ($76,910). It is 11% higher than the Illinois median ($68,220).
Pay range for writers and authors in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $20.88 | $43,440 |
| 25% of workers | $23.67 | $49,230 |
| Half of workers (median) | $36.51 | $75,940 |
| 75% of workers | $48.07 | $99,990 |
| 90% of workers | $64.76 | $134,710 |
Writers and Authors pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page) | $75,940 | 2,120 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $80,400 |
| Graphic Designers | $66,490 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $77,050 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $75,590 |
| Producers and Directors | $85,040 |
| Art Directors | $104,570 |
| Editors | $80,380 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $59,660 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: 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.