Writers and Authors salary in Lancaster, PA
Writers and Authors in the Lancaster, PA metro area earn a median of $65,660 a year ($31.57 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,550 for the lowest-paid 10% to $123,140 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 15% lower than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $77,410. There are 0.21 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $70,700, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Lancaster, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,550 | $11.80 |
| 25th percentile | $47,390 | $22.78 |
| Median | $65,660 | $31.57 |
| 75th percentile | $81,940 | $39.39 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $123,140 | $59.20 |
| Average (mean) | $70,700 | $33.99 |
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 | $5,471.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,735.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,525.38 |
| Weekly | $1,262.69 |
| Hourly | $31.57 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $84,130 | 560 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $77,740 | 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 |
See Writers and Authors pay in every state or the Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lancaster, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $51,230 | $24.63 |
| Editor | $62,720 | $30.16 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $49,220 | $23.66 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $78,890 | $37.93 |
| Graphic Designer | $55,360 | $26.62 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $46,450 | $22.33 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,380 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $64,010 | $30.77 |
| Actor | — | $23.65 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,130 | $18.81 |
| Photographer | $37,600 | $18.08 |
| Floral Designer | $35,840 | $17.23 |
| Interior Designer | $61,240 | $29.44 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $48,960 | $23.54 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Lancaster, PA
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 Lancaster, PA?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Lancaster, PA metro area is $65,660 a year, or $31.57 an hour. Pay ranges from $24,550 for the lowest-paid 10% to $123,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Lancaster, PA?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Lancaster, PA metro area earn at least $123,140 a year. The top 25% earn $81,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Lancaster, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,550 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $47,390 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Lancaster, PA?
About 50 writers and authors are employed in the Lancaster, PA metro area, not counting the self-employed.