Salary distribution
Where Washington writers and authors fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $67,300 and $108,330, with a median of $86,170.
Writers and Authors pay by experience level in Washington
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Writers and Authors in Washington, by industry
Median offered wage across 2 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Technology and software leads with a median of $200,000.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology and software | Meta Platforms, Inc | 1 | $200,000 |
| Retail and wholesale | Hyper Bicycle Inc | 1 | $59,488 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Washington over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 5.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.8 / 5
Writing
Basic skill
- 4.6 / 5
Written Expression
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Communications and Media
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
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.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+3.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for writers and authors in major Washington metropolitan areas.
- Seattle$90,320
Compare Writers and Authors pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Writers and Authors in Washington?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Writers and Authors in Washington is $86,170.
- How does Washington compare to the national median for Writers and Authors?
- The Washington median is +41.7% versus the BLS national figure of $60,817.
- What is the salary range for Writers and Authors in Washington?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $51,050 and the 90th-percentile at $129,990, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Writers and Authors a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 3.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.