Writers and Authors salary in Oregon
Writers and Authors in Oregon earn a median of $80,540 a year ($38.72 an hour), based on BLS data for 950 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,180 for the lowest-paid 10% to $158,190 for the top 10%. That is 5% higher than the national median of $76,910. Oregon ranks 11th of 43 states for writers and authors pay. There are 0.48 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $87,800, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Oregon
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| 25th percentile | $52,620 | $25.30 |
| Median | $80,540 | $38.72 |
| 75th percentile | $104,010 | $50.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $158,190 | $76.05 |
| Average (mean) | $87,800 | $42.21 |
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 | $6,711.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,355.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,097.69 |
| Weekly | $1,548.85 |
| Hourly | $38.72 |
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 Oregon
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $87,560 | 600 |
| Medford, OR | $66,690 | 40 |
| Bend, OR | $55,930 | 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 |
Related jobs in Oregon
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $74,900 | $36.01 |
| Editor | $71,540 | $34.39 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $66,300 | $31.88 |
| Technical Writer | $84,000 | $40.38 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $49,200 | $23.65 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $46,190 | $22.21 |
| Graphic Designer | $66,040 | $31.75 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,960 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $87,460 | $42.05 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Art Director | $133,840 | $64.34 |
| Interior Designer | $66,350 | $31.90 |
| Floral Designer | $44,730 | $21.51 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Oregon
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 Oregon?
The median salary for writers and authors in Oregon is $80,540 a year, or $38.72 an hour. Pay ranges from $46,180 for the lowest-paid 10% to $158,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Oregon?
The top 10% of writers and authors in Oregon earn at least $158,190 a year. The top 25% earn $104,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Oregon?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,180 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $52,620 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Oregon?
About 950 writers and authors are employed in Oregon, not counting the self-employed.