Writers and Authors salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Writers and Authors in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn a median of $61,400 a year ($29.52 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,910 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 4% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $58,870. There are 0.39 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $65,470, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,590 | $16.15 |
| 25th percentile | $45,570 | $21.91 |
| Median | $61,400 | $29.52 |
| 75th percentile | $76,300 | $36.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,910 | $48.51 |
| Average (mean) | $65,470 | $31.48 |
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 | $5,116.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,558.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,361.54 |
| Weekly | $1,180.77 |
| Hourly | $29.52 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $81,990 | 490 |
| Savannah, GA | $68,030 | 40 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $63,270 | 520 |
| Knoxville, TN | $63,080 | 180 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $58,480 | 170 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $57,600 | 40 |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,370 | $31.91 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,970 | $25.47 |
| Editor | $54,000 | $25.96 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $35,720 | $17.17 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $40,830 | $19.63 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $36,490 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $55,250 | $26.56 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| Producers and Directors | $61,660 | $29.65 |
| Interior Designer | $62,790 | $30.19 |
| Floral Designer | $36,450 | $17.53 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $44,060 | $21.18 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $66,500 | $31.97 |
| Photographer | $33,600 | $16.15 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Chattanooga, TN-GA
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 Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area is $61,400 a year, or $29.52 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,910 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn at least $100,910 a year. The top 25% earn $76,300 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,590 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $45,570 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
About 110 writers and authors are employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area, not counting the self-employed.