27-3043

Writers and Authors

Role Overview

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. Excludes “News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists” (27-3023), “Public Relations Specialists” (27-3031), and “Technical Writers” (27-3042).

Recommended Majors

Communication, General. Speech Communication and Rhetoric. Mass Communication/Media Studies. Journalism. Broadcast Journalism. Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Communication. Writing, General. Creative Writing. Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing. Rhetoric and Composition. Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other. General Literature. Children's and Adolescent Literature. Literature, Other. Playwriting and Screenwriting. Comedy Writing and Performance. Business/Corporate Communications, General. Business/Corporate Communications, Other.

Related Careers

Actors Actors, Producers, and Directors Art and Design Workers Art Directors Artists and Related Workers Artists and Related Workers, All Other

Salary by State (top paying)

State	Median salary
District of Columbia	$121,160
Maryland	$107,540
Washington	$86,170
Vermont	$86,040
Virginia	$80,990
Connecticut	$80,950
California	$80,470
Massachusetts	$78,440
Oregon	$77,830
New Jersey	$75,640
New Mexico	$73,790
Texas	$71,650
Louisiana	$70,810
Ohio	$67,580
West Virginia	$66,970

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for this career?

Projected growth and annual openings are from BLS Employment Projections. Use the sidebar for median salary and growth rate.

How does salary vary by state?

See the Salary by State table above for state-level median wages from OEWS data.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), BLS Employment Projections.

Median Annual Salary

$72,270

Projected Growth (10yr)

+3.6%

Avg. annual openings

13.4k

Market Insight

Explore salary and growth data to understand demand and earning potential for this role.