Writers and Authors salary in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
Writers and Authors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn a median of $58,870 a year ($28.31 an hour), based on BLS data for 420 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $90,980 for the top 10%. That is 23% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 5% higher than the Arizona statewide median of $55,990. There are 0.18 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.57). The average (mean) salary is $65,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| 25th percentile | $49,440 | $23.77 |
| Median | $58,870 | $28.31 |
| 75th percentile | $76,270 | $36.67 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $90,980 | $43.74 |
| Average (mean) | $65,580 | $31.53 |
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 | $4,905.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,452.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,264.23 |
| Weekly | $1,132.12 |
| Hourly | $28.31 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $47,990 | 80 |
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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,490 | $33.89 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,070 | $24.07 |
| Editor | $64,970 | $31.23 |
| Technical Writer | $83,480 | $40.14 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $47,820 | $22.99 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $58,560 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $59,090 | $28.41 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Interior Designer | $61,810 | $29.72 |
| Photographer | $36,970 | $17.77 |
| Producers and Directors | $72,740 | $34.97 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,150 | $22.67 |
| Athletes and Sports Competitors | $50,070 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
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 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area is $58,870 a year, or $28.31 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $90,980 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area earn at least $90,980 a year. The top 25% earn $76,270 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,200 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $49,440 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ?
About 420 writers and authors are employed in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.