Writers and Authors salary in Alabama
Writers and Authors in Alabama earn a median of $66,950 a year ($32.19 an hour), based on BLS data for 180 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,210 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $76,910. Alabama ranks 22nd of 43 states for writers and authors pay. There are 0.09 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.28). The average (mean) salary is $72,720, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Alabama
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,830 | $19.15 |
| 25th percentile | $51,840 | $24.92 |
| Median | $66,950 | $32.19 |
| 75th percentile | $93,550 | $44.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $115,210 | $55.39 |
| Average (mean) | $72,720 | $34.96 |
Half of writers and authors earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,579.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,789.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,575 |
| Weekly | $1,287.50 |
| Hourly | $32.19 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Writers and Authors salary in cities in Alabama
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL | $76,710 | 30 |
| Birmingham, AL | $64,460 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for writers and authors
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $129,300 |
| Maryland | $104,330 |
| Connecticut | $98,460 |
| Vermont | $94,430 |
| Louisiana | $89,520 |
| California | $86,480 |
| Washington | $85,700 |
| Massachusetts | $85,260 |
| Virginia | $85,000 |
| New Jersey | $81,590 |
Related jobs in Alabama
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,710 | $29.67 |
| Technical Writer | $85,840 | $41.27 |
| Editor | $63,330 | $30.45 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,440 | $20.88 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $67,340 | $32.37 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $46,130 | $22.18 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $38,530 | $18.53 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,840 | $20.60 |
| Graphic Designer | $51,070 | $24.55 |
| Producers and Directors | $63,340 | $30.45 |
| Interior Designer | $61,050 | $29.35 |
| Photographer | $36,130 | $17.37 |
| Floral Designer | $34,430 | $16.55 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,160 | $24.12 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Alabama
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-3043. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a writers and authors make in Alabama?
The median salary for writers and authors in Alabama is $66,950 a year, or $32.19 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $115,210 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Alabama?
The top 10% of writers and authors in Alabama earn at least $115,210 a year. The top 25% earn $93,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Alabama?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,830 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $51,840 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Alabama?
About 180 writers and authors are employed in Alabama, not counting the self-employed.