Writers and Authors salary in Knoxville, TN
Writers and Authors in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $63,080 a year ($30.33 an hour), based on BLS data for 180 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $141,480 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 7% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $58,870. There are 0.42 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $77,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,410 | $21.35 |
| 25th percentile | $47,120 | $22.65 |
| Median | $63,080 | $30.33 |
| 75th percentile | $101,560 | $48.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $141,480 | $68.02 |
| Average (mean) | $77,230 | $37.13 |
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 | $5,256.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,628.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,426.15 |
| Weekly | $1,213.08 |
| Hourly | $30.33 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $63,080 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Writers and Authors salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $63,270 | 520 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $61,400 | 110 |
| 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 Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $57,360 | $27.58 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $64,770 | $31.14 |
| Editor | $59,630 | $28.67 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $61,020 | $29.34 |
| Technical Writer | $101,430 | $48.77 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $42,520 | $20.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $36,670 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,970 | $16.81 |
| Graphic Designer | $56,720 | $27.27 |
| Producers and Directors | $58,660 | $28.20 |
| Interior Designer | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| Floral Designer | $36,040 | $17.33 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,200 | $33.75 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
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 Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $63,080 a year, or $30.33 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $141,480 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $141,480 a year. The top 25% earn $101,560 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,410 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $47,120 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Knoxville, TN?
About 180 writers and authors are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.