Writers and Authors salary in Columbia, MO
Writers and Authors in the Columbia, MO metro area earn a median of $63,030 a year ($30.30 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,630 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 8% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $58,140. There are 0.35 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $67,820, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Columbia, MO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,050 | $22.62 |
| 25th percentile | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Median | $63,030 | $30.30 |
| 75th percentile | $77,200 | $37.12 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,630 | $39.73 |
| Average (mean) | $67,820 | $32.61 |
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 | $5,252.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,626.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,424.23 |
| Weekly | $1,212.12 |
| Hourly | $30.30 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $67,230 | 220 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $57,390 | 300 |
| Springfield, MO | $51,260 | 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 |
See Writers and Authors pay in every state or the Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, MO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $47,700 | $22.93 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $40,300 | $19.37 |
| Editor | $54,250 | $26.08 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,290 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $49,490 | $23.79 |
| Producers and Directors | $48,750 | $23.44 |
| Interior Designer | $67,780 | $32.59 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,030 | $16.84 |
| Floral Designer | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,240 | $20.79 |
| Art Director | $80,060 | $38.49 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, MO
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 Columbia, MO?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Columbia, MO metro area is $63,030 a year, or $30.30 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,630 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Columbia, MO?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Columbia, MO metro area earn at least $82,630 a year. The top 25% earn $77,200 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Columbia, MO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,050 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $52,000 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Columbia, MO?
About 40 writers and authors are employed in the Columbia, MO metro area, not counting the self-employed.