RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Writers and Authors salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$68,220
Mean annual$76,160
Range (10th to 90th)$49,340 to $104,170
Indianapolis, Indiana employment190
State vs national+12.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Indianapolis writers and authors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$49,34025TH$55,360MEDIAN$68,22075TH$80,47090TH$104,170

The middle 50% of workers earn between $55,360 and $80,470, with a median of $68,220.

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)

  1. 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.

  2. 02

    Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.

  3. 03

    Present drafts and ideas to clients.

  4. 04

    Discuss with the client the product, advertising themes and methods, and any changes that should be made in advertising copy.

  5. 05

    Review advertising trends, consumer surveys, and other data regarding marketing of goods and services to determine the best way to promote products.

  6. 06

    Write articles, bulletins, sales letters, speeches, and other related informative, marketing and promotional material.

  7. 07

    Conduct research and interviews to determine which of a product's selling features should be promoted.

  8. 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 Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Writers and Authors in the Indianapolis metropolitan area is $68,220.
Does Indianapolis pay more than the Indiana state average for Writers and Authors?
The Indianapolis metro median is +9.9% versus the Indiana state median of $62,080.
How does Indianapolis compare to the national median for Writers and Authors?
The Indianapolis metro median is +12.2% versus the BLS national figure of $60,817.
What is the salary range for Writers and Authors in Indianapolis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,340 and the 90th-percentile at $104,170 for the Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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.