Writers and Authors Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN · 1,590 employed
The average Writers and Authors salary in Chicago, IL is $73,760 per year. The middle 50% of Writers and Authorss earn between $51,180 and $93,750. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $114,500 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $38,590. The median of $69,150 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Writers and Authors Salary Breakdown in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $38,590 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,180 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $69,150 |
| Mean (Average) | $73,760 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,750 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $114,500 |
Related Jobs in Chicago, IL
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Art Directors | $113,990 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $93,590 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | $91,590 |
| Producers and Directors | $89,800 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $88,920 |
| Technical Writers | $87,190 |
Writers and Authors Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Waterbury, CT | $135,260 |
| San Jose, CA | $117,910 |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $116,750 |
| Washington, DC | $115,400 |
| San Francisco, CA | $112,310 |
| Baltimore, MD | $103,630 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $102,850 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $98,080 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Writers and Authors salary in Chicago, IL?
The average Writers and Authors salary in Chicago, IL is $73,760 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Writers and Authors salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Writers and Authors salary in Chicago, IL is $69,150 per year. Half of Writers and Authorss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Writers and Authorss make in Chicago, IL?
Entry-level Writers and Authorss in Chicago, IL typically earn around $38,590 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $51,180.
What do the highest-paid Writers and Authorss earn in Chicago, IL?
The highest-paid Writers and Authorss in Chicago, IL earn $114,500 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $93,750.
How many Writers and Authorss work in Chicago, IL?
There are approximately 1,590 Writers and Authorss employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area, per BLS OEWS.