Writers and Authors salary in Topeka, KS
Writers and Authors in the Topeka, KS metro area earn a median of $51,610 a year ($24.81 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $33,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,430 for the top 10%. That is 33% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 22% lower than the Kansas statewide median of $65,840. The average (mean) salary is $54,810, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Topeka, KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,580 | $16.14 |
| 25th percentile | $40,890 | $19.66 |
| Median | $51,610 | $24.81 |
| 75th percentile | $66,560 | $32.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $87,430 | $42.04 |
| Average (mean) | $54,810 | $26.35 |
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 | $4,300.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,150.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,985 |
| Weekly | $992.50 |
| Hourly | $24.81 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $67,230 | 220 |
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 Kansas statewide figures.
Related jobs in Topeka, KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,410 | $30.01 |
| Editor | $63,560 | $30.56 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,250 | $24.16 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,960 | — |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $38,560 | $18.54 |
| Graphic Designer | $55,630 | $26.75 |
| Producers and Directors | $60,600 | $29.14 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $53,720 | $25.83 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Topeka, KS
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 Topeka, KS?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Topeka, KS metro area is $51,610 a year, or $24.81 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $87,430 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Topeka, KS?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Topeka, KS metro area earn at least $87,430 a year. The top 25% earn $66,560 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Topeka, KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,580 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $40,890 or less.