Writers and Authors salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Writers and Authors in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro area earn a median of $78,050 a year ($37.52 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,810 for the top 10%. That is 1% higher than the national median of $76,910. There are 0.20 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $88,960, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,010 | $23.08 |
| 25th percentile | $58,580 | $28.17 |
| Median | $78,050 | $37.52 |
| 75th percentile | $101,160 | $48.64 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,810 | $63.37 |
| Average (mean) | $88,960 | $42.77 |
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 | $6,504.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,252.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,001.92 |
| Weekly | $1,500.96 |
| Hourly | $37.52 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $78,050 salary, see how much house you can afford in New York at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Writers and Authors salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse, NY | $71,520 | 50 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $69,320 | 30 |
| Rochester, NY | $68,600 | 110 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $65,630 | 90 |
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 Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,240 | $32.81 |
| Editor | $77,570 | $37.29 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $69,470 | $33.40 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $60,100 | $28.90 |
| Technical Writer | $90,500 | $43.51 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $52,500 | $25.24 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $67,220 | $32.32 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $57,620 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,930 | $19.20 |
| Graphic Designer | $63,200 | $30.39 |
| Producers and Directors | $78,810 | $37.89 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $56,160 | $27.00 |
| Interior Designer | $55,380 | $26.62 |
| Photographer | $50,940 | $24.49 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
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 Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro area is $78,050 a year, or $37.52 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro area earn at least $131,810 a year. The top 25% earn $101,160 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,010 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $58,580 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
About 90 writers and authors are employed in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.