Writers and Authors Salary in Washington

Writers and authors in Washington earn the most in Seattle (average $98,430 a year) and the least in Spokane ($65,180), across the 2 Washington metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the writers and authors average at $90,740 and the median at $85,700 for 770 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $86,090.

Writers and Authors average salary by city in Washington

Seattle$98,430
Spokane$65,180

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Seattle	$98,430	$98,730	$79,610	$78,076	111
Spokane	$65,180	$62,060	$49,580	$54,552	100

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Washington has no state income tax; Washington's WA Cares (0.58%) and Paid Family and Medical Leave payroll premiums are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Writers and Authors salary in other states

Writers and Authors salary by city and state

More about pay in Washington

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 27-3043.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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