What is the median salary for Writers and Authors in Chicago, Illinois?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Writers and Authors in the Chicago metropolitan area is $69,150.

Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Writers and Authors?

The Chicago metro median is +4.5% versus the Illinois state median of $66,180.

How does Chicago compare to the national median for Writers and Authors?

The Chicago metro median is +13.7% versus the BLS national figure of $60,817.

What is the salary range for Writers and Authors in Chicago?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,590 and the 90th-percentile at $114,500 for the Chicago metro area.

What education is required for Writers and Authors?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Writers and Authors Salary in Chicago, Illinois

Median annual$69,150

Mean annual$73,760

Range (10th to 90th)$38,590 to $114,500

Chicago, Illinois employment1,590

State vs national+13.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Chicago writers and authors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $51,180 and $93,750, with a median of $69,150.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

English Language
Knowledge
5.0 / 5
Writing
Basic skill
4.8 / 5
Written Expression
Ability
4.6 / 5
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge
4.3 / 5
Communications and Media
Knowledge
4.2 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
4.1 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Develop advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients, working with an advertising agency's creative director and art director to determine the best way to present advertising information.
02
Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.
03
Present drafts and ideas to clients.
04
Discuss with the client the product, advertising themes and methods, and any changes that should be made in advertising copy.
05
Review advertising trends, consumer surveys, and other data regarding marketing of goods and services to determine the best way to promote products.
06
Write articles, bulletins, sales letters, speeches, and other related informative, marketing and promotional material.
07
Conduct research and interviews to determine which of a product's selling features should be promoted.
08
Invent names for products and write the slogans that appear on packaging, brochures and other promotional material.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Writers and Authors in Chicago, Illinois?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Writers and Authors in the Chicago metropolitan area is $69,150.
Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Writers and Authors?: The Chicago metro median is +4.5% versus the Illinois state median of $66,180.
How does Chicago compare to the national median for Writers and Authors?: The Chicago metro median is +13.7% versus the BLS national figure of $60,817.
What is the salary range for Writers and Authors in Chicago?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,590 and the 90th-percentile at $114,500 for the Chicago metro area.
What education is required for Writers and Authors?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.