Writers and Authors salary in Arizona
Writers and Authors in Arizona earn a median of $55,990 a year ($26.92 an hour), based on BLS data for 600 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $90,990 for the top 10%. That is 27% lower than the national median of $76,910. Arizona ranks 37th of 43 states for writers and authors pay. There are 0.18 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.60). The average (mean) salary is $63,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Arizona
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,300 | $20.34 |
| 25th percentile | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| Median | $55,990 | $26.92 |
| 75th percentile | $74,570 | $35.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $90,990 | $43.74 |
| Average (mean) | $63,240 | $30.40 |
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 | $4,665.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,332.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,153.46 |
| Weekly | $1,076.73 |
| Hourly | $26.92 |
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 Arizona
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $58,870 | 420 |
| Tucson, AZ | $47,990 | 80 |
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 Arizona
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,710 | $32.07 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,150 | $24.11 |
| Editor | $63,090 | $30.33 |
| Technical Writer | $79,780 | $38.36 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $43,100 | $20.72 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $47,930 | $23.04 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $77,770 | $37.39 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $53,130 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $58,510 | $28.13 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,630 | $19.05 |
| Producers and Directors | $67,320 | $32.36 |
| Interior Designer | $61,460 | $29.55 |
| Photographer | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,140 | $22.67 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Arizona
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 Arizona?
The median salary for writers and authors in Arizona is $55,990 a year, or $26.92 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $90,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Arizona?
The top 10% of writers and authors in Arizona earn at least $90,990 a year. The top 25% earn $74,570 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Arizona?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,300 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $47,340 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Arizona?
About 600 writers and authors are employed in Arizona, not counting the self-employed.