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Writers and Authors Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Writers and Authors make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$68,220
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.1% vs 2024
$77,240
Mean Salary
$68,220
Median Salary
$32.80
Hourly Rate
2,640 people work as Writers and Authors in Illinois

Writers and Authors salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Writers and Authors salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Writers and Authors in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $41,830$41,83025th25% earn less than $43,440$43,440MedianHalf earn more than $68,220$68,22075th75% earn less than $97,280$97,28090thTop 10% earn more than $134,400$134,400

Writers and Authors in Illinois earn a median salary of $68,220 per year ($5,685/month). This is 3.5% below the national average of $70,716. Illinois ranks #20 out of 43 states for Writers and Authors pay. Approximately 2,640 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 3.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Top Skills

Writing
4.75
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.88
Critical Thinking
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

English Language
4.89
Sales and Marketing
4.3
Communications and Media
4.2
Customer and Personal Service
4.01
Computers and Electronics
3.54
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (46.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Writers and Authors in Illinois

Salaries for Writers and Authors in Illinois range from $41,830 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $134,400 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $43,440 and $97,280.

Median $68,220
P10: $41,830 P25: $43,440 P75: $97,280 P90: $134,400
10th
$41,830
25th
$43,440
Median
$68,220
75th
$97,280
90th
$134,400
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $41,830 $20.11 $3,485
25th Percentile $43,440 $20.88 $3,620
Median (50th) $68,220 $32.80 $5,685
75th Percentile $97,280 $46.77 $8,106
90th Percentile (Experienced) $134,400 $64.62 $11,200

Note: The mean (average) salary of $77,240 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#20
Illinois ranks #20 of 43 states
$70,716
National avg. for Writers and Authors
-3.5%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Writers and Authors salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Writers and Authors take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Writers and Authors Data in Illinois

Writers and Authors Salary by State

Compare Writers and Authors pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Writers and Authors make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Writers and Authors in Illinois is $68,220 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $77,240.
What is the salary range for a Writers and Authors in Illinois?
Salaries for Writers and Authors in Illinois range from $41,830 at the 10th percentile to $134,400 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $43,440 and $97,280.
What is the starting salary for a Writers and Authors in Illinois?
Entry-level Writers and Authors positions in Illinois typically start around $41,830 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $43,440 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Writers and Authors in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,640 people are employed as Writers and Authors in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Writers and Authors in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Writers and Authors in Illinois is approximately $32.80 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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