Writers and Authors salary in Kentucky
Writers and Authors in Kentucky earn a median of $48,780 a year ($23.45 an hour), based on BLS data for 350 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,010 for the top 10%. That is 37% lower than the national median of $76,910. Kentucky ranks 42nd of 43 states for writers and authors pay. There are 0.17 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.56). The average (mean) salary is $55,440, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,580 | $19.03 |
| 25th percentile | $40,760 | $19.60 |
| Median | $48,780 | $23.45 |
| 75th percentile | $64,550 | $31.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,010 | $36.54 |
| Average (mean) | $55,440 | $26.66 |
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 | $4,065 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,032.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,876.15 |
| Weekly | $938.08 |
| Hourly | $23.45 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Writers and Authors salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $62,440 | 170 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $52,520 | 130 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $51,170 | 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 |
Related jobs in Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| Editor | $59,430 | $28.57 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $53,590 | $25.77 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $36,170 | $17.39 |
| Technical Writer | $81,070 | $38.97 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $50,350 | $24.21 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $39,050 | $18.78 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $35,570 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $35,820 | $17.22 |
| Graphic Designer | $52,960 | $25.46 |
| Producers and Directors | $54,550 | $26.23 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Interior Designer | $59,240 | $28.48 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for writers and authors in Kentucky is $48,780 a year, or $23.45 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of writers and authors in Kentucky earn at least $76,010 a year. The top 25% earn $64,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,580 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $40,760 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Kentucky?
About 350 writers and authors are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.