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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Writers and Authors salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Philadelphia 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$75,890
Mean annual$80,720
Range (10th to 90th)$41,450 to $132,660
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania employment720
State vs national+24.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Philadelphia writers and authors fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$41,45025TH$51,670MEDIAN$75,89075TH$98,43090TH$132,660

The middle 50% of workers earn between $51,670 and $98,430, with a median of $75,890.

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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Other metros in Pennsylvania

How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for writers and authors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Writers and Authors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Writers and Authors in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $75,890.
Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Writers and Authors?
The Philadelphia metro median is +30.5% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $58,170.
How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Writers and Authors?
The Philadelphia metro median is +24.8% versus the BLS national figure of $60,817.
What is the salary range for Writers and Authors in Philadelphia?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $41,450 and the 90th-percentile at $132,660 for the Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.