Writers and Authors salary in Missouri
Writers and Authors in Missouri earn a median of $58,140 a year ($27.95 an hour), based on BLS data for 600 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,930 for the top 10%. That is 24% lower than the national median of $76,910. Missouri ranks 34th of 43 states for writers and authors pay. There are 0.20 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $66,070, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,000 | $20.19 |
| 25th percentile | $48,130 | $23.14 |
| Median | $58,140 | $27.95 |
| 75th percentile | $77,570 | $37.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,930 | $47.56 |
| Average (mean) | $66,070 | $31.76 |
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 | $4,845 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,422.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,236.15 |
| Weekly | $1,118.08 |
| Hourly | $27.95 |
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 Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $67,230 | 220 |
| Columbia, MO | $63,030 | 40 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $57,390 | 300 |
| Springfield, MO | $51,260 | 30 |
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 Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,130 | $29.39 |
| Editor | $61,620 | $29.62 |
| Technical Writer | $80,840 | $38.86 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $45,460 | $21.85 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $57,010 | $27.41 |
| Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $63,720 | $30.63 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $42,790 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $56,750 | $27.28 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $42,890 | $20.62 |
| Producers and Directors | $66,460 | $31.95 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $50,680 | $24.37 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $33,140 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for writers and authors in Missouri is $58,140 a year, or $27.95 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,000 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Missouri?
The top 10% of writers and authors in Missouri earn at least $98,930 a year. The top 25% earn $77,570 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,000 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $48,130 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Missouri?
About 600 writers and authors are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.