Writers and Authors salary in Syracuse, NY
Writers and Authors in the Syracuse, NY metro area earn a median of $71,520 a year ($34.39 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,250 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $76,910. There are 0.18 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.59). The average (mean) salary is $80,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Syracuse, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,200 | $23.17 |
| 25th percentile | $50,020 | $24.05 |
| Median | $71,520 | $34.39 |
| 75th percentile | $97,170 | $46.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $131,250 | $63.10 |
| Average (mean) | $80,160 | $38.54 |
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 | $5,960 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,980 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,750.77 |
| Weekly | $1,375.38 |
| Hourly | $34.39 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $78,050 | 90 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $69,320 | 30 |
| Rochester, NY | $68,600 | 110 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $65,630 | 90 |
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 Syracuse, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $64,110 | $30.82 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $57,060 | $27.44 |
| Technical Writer | $84,520 | $40.63 |
| Editor | $69,190 | $33.27 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $44,460 | $21.38 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $60,600 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,630 | $19.05 |
| Graphic Designer | $52,390 | $25.19 |
| Producers and Directors | $79,680 | $38.31 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $61,610 | $29.62 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $140,230 | $67.42 |
| Photographer | $49,560 | $23.83 |
| Interior Designer | $54,470 | $26.19 |
| Art Director | $118,560 | $57.00 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Syracuse, NY
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 Syracuse, NY?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Syracuse, NY metro area is $71,520 a year, or $34.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $131,250 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Syracuse, NY?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Syracuse, NY metro area earn at least $131,250 a year. The top 25% earn $97,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Syracuse, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,200 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $50,020 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Syracuse, NY?
About 50 writers and authors are employed in the Syracuse, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.