Writers and Authors salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
Writers and Authors in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area earn a median of $62,110 a year ($29.86 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $52,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,640 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 2% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $61,010. There are 0.26 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $67,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $52,830 | $25.40 |
| 25th percentile | $59,990 | $28.84 |
| Median | $62,110 | $29.86 |
| 75th percentile | $72,210 | $34.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,640 | $49.35 |
| Average (mean) | $67,570 | $32.49 |
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 | $5,175.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,587.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,388.85 |
| Weekly | $1,194.42 |
| Hourly | $29.86 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $67,390 | 120 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $63,010 | 90 |
| Iowa City, IA | $49,000 | 50 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,620 | $31.07 |
| Editor | $61,880 | $29.75 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $48,990 | $23.55 |
| Technical Writer | $69,410 | $33.37 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,150 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,850 | $18.68 |
| Graphic Designer | $58,520 | $28.14 |
| Producers and Directors | $49,210 | $23.66 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $66,400 | $31.92 |
| Interior Designer | $50,300 | $24.18 |
| Photographer | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Art Director | $103,120 | $49.58 |
| Floral Designer | $36,280 | $17.44 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Cedar Rapids, IA
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 Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area is $62,110 a year, or $29.86 an hour. Pay ranges from $52,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area earn at least $102,640 a year. The top 25% earn $72,210 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $52,830 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $59,990 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Cedar Rapids, IA?
About 40 writers and authors are employed in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.