Writers and Authors salary in Ann Arbor, MI
Writers and Authors in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn a median of $37,330 a year ($17.95 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,830 for the top 10%. That is 51% lower than the national median of $76,910. There are 0.86 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $46,040, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Ann Arbor, MI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,990 | $14.90 |
| 25th percentile | $30,990 | $14.90 |
| Median | $37,330 | $17.95 |
| 75th percentile | $51,550 | $24.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,830 | $39.82 |
| Average (mean) | $46,040 | $22.14 |
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 | $3,110.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,555.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,435.77 |
| Weekly | $717.88 |
| Hourly | $17.95 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Writers and Authors salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $75,760 | 510 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $61,980 | 30 |
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 Ann Arbor, MI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,890 | $33.12 |
| Editor | $64,670 | $31.09 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $67,850 | $32.62 |
| Technical Writer | $89,840 | $43.19 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $59,890 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $55,020 | $26.45 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $45.21 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Producers and Directors | $67,600 | $32.50 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $45,160 | $21.71 |
| Interior Designer | $58,600 | $28.18 |
| Photographer | $37,510 | $18.04 |
| Floral Designer | $37,350 | $17.96 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $83,530 | $40.16 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Ann Arbor, MI
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 Ann Arbor, MI?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area is $37,330 a year, or $17.95 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Ann Arbor, MI?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area earn at least $82,830 a year. The top 25% earn $51,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Ann Arbor, MI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,990 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $30,990 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Ann Arbor, MI?
About 190 writers and authors are employed in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area, not counting the self-employed.