Writers and Authors Salary in Missouri (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Writers and Authors in Missouri, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Missouri Median
$58,140
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.95
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-24% vs US median
US median $76,910
State Rank
#34 of 43
600 employed here

How much do Writers and Authors make in Missouri?

Writers and Authors in Missouri take home a median of $58,140 annually — roughly $27.95 an hour — which runs 24% below the national median of $76,910.

Within Missouri, entry-level pay starts around $42,000 while the top 10% make $98,930 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,130 and $77,570 a year.

Writers and Authors salary range in Missouri

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$42,000$20.19
25th percentile (early career)$48,130$23.14
50th percentile (median)$58,140$27.95
75th percentile (experienced)$77,570$37.29
90th percentile (top earners)$98,930$47.56

How Missouri compares

Missouri ranks 34th out of 43 states and territories for Writers and Authors pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$129,300
2Maryland$104,330
3Connecticut$98,460
4Vermont$94,430
5Louisiana$89,520

Working as Writers and Authors in Missouri

Nationally, about 48,000 people work as Writers and Authors in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Missouri pay ($58,140) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Writers and Authors make in Missouri?
The median Writers and Authors salary in Missouri is $58,140 per year, or about $27.95 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $42,000 at the entry level to $98,930 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Missouri pay compare to the national average?
Missouri pays Writers and Authors about 24% less than the national median of $76,910. Missouri ranks 34th out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Missouri a good state for Writers and Authors?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $58,140 a year. About 600 Writers and Authors are employed in Missouri. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Missouri?
The highest-paying occupations in Missouri include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($842,800), Cardiologist ($648,070), Emergency Medicine Physician ($456,280), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Writers and Authors salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.