Writers and Authors salary in Boulder, CO
Writers and Authors in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $83,540 a year ($40.16 an hour), based on BLS data for 130 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $142,060 for the top 10%. That is 9% higher than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 9% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $76,830. There are 0.66 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.1× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $90,190, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,830 | $23.00 |
| 25th percentile | $65,640 | $31.56 |
| Median | $83,540 | $40.16 |
| 75th percentile | $105,200 | $50.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $142,060 | $68.30 |
| Average (mean) | $90,190 | $43.36 |
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 | $6,961.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,480.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,213.08 |
| Weekly | $1,606.54 |
| Hourly | $40.16 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $102,570 | n/a |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $83,770 | 130 |
| Greeley, CO | $82,060 | 40 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $69,100 | 860 |
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 |
See Writers and Authors pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $81,180 | $39.03 |
| Editor | $81,090 | $38.99 |
| Technical Writer | $105,840 | $50.89 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $75,060 | $36.09 |
| Graphic Designer | $67,680 | $32.54 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,990 | $21.15 |
| Interior Designer | $80,850 | $38.87 |
| Art Director | $107,130 | $51.51 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $107,990 | $51.92 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $49,460 | — |
| Floral Designer | $46,030 | $22.13 |
| Fashion Designer | $98,680 | $47.44 |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $64.45 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
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 Boulder, CO?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Boulder, CO metro area is $83,540 a year, or $40.16 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $142,060 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $142,060 a year. The top 25% earn $105,200 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,830 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $65,640 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Boulder, CO?
About 130 writers and authors are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.