Writers and Authors salary in Tucson, AZ
Writers and Authors in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn a median of $47,990 a year ($23.07 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,380 for the top 10%. That is 38% lower than the national median of $76,910. Pay here is 14% lower than the Arizona statewide median of $55,990. There are 0.21 writers and authors per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $53,860, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for writers and authors in Tucson, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,800 | $18.17 |
| 25th percentile | $39,990 | $19.23 |
| Median | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| 75th percentile | $59,720 | $28.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,380 | $34.80 |
| Average (mean) | $53,860 | $25.89 |
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 | $3,999.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,999.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,845.77 |
| Weekly | $922.88 |
| Hourly | $23.07 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $58,870 | 420 |
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 Tucson, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,630 | $29.63 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $57,920 | $27.85 |
| Technical Writer | $75,070 | $36.09 |
| Editor | $59,420 | $28.57 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $79,640 | $38.29 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,080 | — |
| Graphic Designer | $57,710 | $27.74 |
| Producers and Directors | $64,530 | $31.03 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,010 | $20.68 |
| Interior Designer | $58,110 | $27.94 |
| Broadcast Technician | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| Actor | — | $18.12 |
| Floral Designer | $34,560 | $16.61 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tucson, 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 Tucson, AZ?
The median salary for writers and authors in the Tucson, AZ metro area is $47,990 a year, or $23.07 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,380 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid writers and authors make in Tucson, AZ?
The top 10% of writers and authors in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn at least $72,380 a year. The top 25% earn $59,720 or more.
What is the starting pay for writers and authors in Tucson, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,800 a year, and a quarter of writers and authors earn $39,990 or less.
How many writers and authors work in Tucson, AZ?
About 80 writers and authors are employed in the Tucson, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.