Writers and Authors salary in Madison, WI
Writers and Authors in the Madison, WI metro area earn a median of $68,760 a year ($33.06 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,330 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 7% higher than the Wisconsin statewide median of $64,370. There are 0.36 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $72,410, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Madison, WI
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,570 | $23.83 |
| 25th percentile | $57,660 | $27.72 |
| Median | $68,760 | $33.06 |
| 75th percentile | $80,450 | $38.68 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,330 | $47.27 |
| Average (mean) | $72,410 | $34.81 |
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 | $5,730 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,865 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,644.62 |
| Weekly | $1,322.31 |
| Hourly | $33.06 |
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 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $63,910 | 270 |
| Green Bay, WI | $61,500 | 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 Wisconsin statewide figures.
Related jobs in Madison, WI
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $73,510 | $35.34 |
| Editor | $66,920 | $32.17 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $72,720 | $34.96 |
| Technical Writer | $86,180 | $41.43 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $60,780 | $29.22 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $47,670 | $22.92 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $42,750 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $63,970 | $30.76 |
| Producers and Directors | $68,350 | $32.86 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,000 | $20.67 |
| Interior Designer | $64,780 | $31.15 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| Photographer | $43,040 | $20.69 |
| Art Director | $83,650 | $40.22 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Madison, WI
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 Madison, WI?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Madison, WI metro area is $68,760 a year, or $33.06 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Madison, WI?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Madison, WI metro area earn at least $98,330 a year. The top 25% earn $80,450 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Madison, WI?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,570 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $57,660 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Madison, WI?
About 150 writers and authors are employed in the Madison, WI metro area, not counting the self-employed.