Writers and Authors salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Writers and Authors in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $58,480 a year ($28.12 an hour), based on BLS data for 170 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $94,560 for the top 10%. That is 24% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 1% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $58,870. There are 0.29 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $63,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,220 | $20.30 |
| 25th percentile | $49,210 | $23.66 |
| Median | $58,480 | $28.12 |
| 75th percentile | $77,230 | $37.13 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $94,560 | $45.46 |
| Average (mean) | $63,350 | $30.46 |
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 | $4,873.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,436.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,249.23 |
| Weekly | $1,124.62 |
| Hourly | $28.12 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $63,270 | 520 |
| Knoxville, TN | $63,080 | 180 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $61,400 | 110 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $57,600 | 40 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $50,720 | 80 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $47,210 | 100 |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,000 | $29.33 |
| Editor | $56,420 | $27.13 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $45,570 | $21.91 |
| Technical Writer | $90,710 | $43.61 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $66,720 | $32.08 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $31,160 | $14.98 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,440 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $59,000 | $28.37 |
| Producers and Directors | $60,440 | $29.06 |
| Interior Designer | $58,600 | $28.17 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,170 | $22.68 |
| Floral Designer | $37,580 | $18.07 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $58,480 a year, or $28.12 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $94,560 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $94,560 a year. The top 25% earn $77,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,220 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $49,210 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 170 writers and authors are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.