Writers and Authors salary in Fargo, ND-MN
Writers and Authors in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area earn a median of $50,860 a year ($24.45 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,660 for the top 10%. That is 34% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is about the same as the North Dakota statewide median of $50,860. There are 0.30 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $59,210, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Fargo, ND-MN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| 25th percentile | $47,570 | $22.87 |
| Median | $50,860 | $24.45 |
| 75th percentile | $74,640 | $35.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $85,660 | $41.18 |
| Average (mean) | $59,210 | $28.46 |
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 | $4,238.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,119.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,956.15 |
| Weekly | $978.08 |
| Hourly | $24.45 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $76,470 | 570 |
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 North Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Fargo, ND-MN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $68,950 | $33.15 |
| Editor | $60,600 | $29.13 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $38,640 | $18.58 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $48,190 | $23.17 |
| Technical Writer | $72,990 | $35.09 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $80,720 | $38.81 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $41,240 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $55,910 | $26.88 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,020 | $20.20 |
| Producers and Directors | $52,700 | $25.34 |
| Interior Designer | $60,450 | $29.06 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,990 | $24.04 |
| Floral Designer | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| Photographer | $38,210 | $18.37 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Fargo, ND-MN
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 Fargo, ND-MN?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area is $50,860 a year, or $24.45 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,660 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Fargo, ND-MN?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area earn at least $85,660 a year. The top 25% earn $74,640 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Fargo, ND-MN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,000 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $47,570 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Fargo, ND-MN?
About 40 writers and authors are employed in the Fargo, ND-MN metro area, not counting the self-employed.