How much does a Writer / Author make in the United States?
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The average Writer / Author salary in the United States is $76,843 as of May 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Writer / Author positions (listed below) typically falls between $68,880 and $84,806. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Writer / Author's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Author | $109,655 | $52.72 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Content Author | $71,064 | $34.17 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Author Assistant | $48,047 | $23.10 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Technical Author | $95,777 | $46.05 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Web Author | $70,211 | $33.76 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| AEM Content Author and Copywriter | $59,591 | $28.65 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Writer | $72,208 | $34.72 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Grant Writer | $81,544 | $39.20 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Specifications Writer | $68,397 | $32.88 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
| Proposal Writer | $81,601 | $39.23 | United States | May 01, 2026 |
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A writer is a person who uses written words in various styles and techniques to communicate their ideas. Writers produce various forms of literary art and creative writing such as novels, short stories, poetry, plays, screenplays, and essays as well as various reports and news articles that may be of interest to the public. Writers' texts are published across a range of media. Skilled writers who are able to use language to express ideas well, often contribute significantly to the cultural content of a society. The term "writer" is also used elsewhere in the arts – such as songwriter – but as a standalone "writer" normally refers to the creation of written language. Some writers work from an oral tradition. Writers can produce material across a number of genres, fictional or non-fictional. Other writers use multiple media – for example, graphics or illustration – to enhance the communication of their ideas. Another recent demand has been created by civil and government readers for the work of non-fictional technical writers, whose skills create understandable, interpretive documents of a practical or scientific nature. Some writers may use images (drawing, painting, graphics) or multimedia to augment their writing. In rare instances, creative writers are able to communicate their ideas via music as well as words. View Writer Salary
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Grant Writer develops resources, researches funding sources, and writes proposals to obtain grant funding from various organizations. Writes contract proposals that reflect the goals and objectives of the organization. Being a Grant Writer outlines accurate budgets that support the proposed activities defined in the proposal. Ensures each grant-writing project complies with the funder's policies, formats, timelines, reporting, and legal requirements. Additionally, Grant Writer may participate in the negotiation of contractual provisions with potential partners. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Grant Writer occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Grant Writer typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Grant Writer SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Grant Application Writer, Grants/Proposal Writer, Grantwriting Specialist, Proposal WriterCategories : Printing and Publishing , Education , Government , Non-Profit and Social Services , Public Relations , Science and Research
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Specifications Writer writes descriptions of processes and processing operations. Works with engineers, operations personnel, manuals, and other materials to develop specifications. Being a Specifications Writer may require a bachelor's degree in a related area. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Specifications Writer typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. View Specifications Writer SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Engineering Process Specification Writer, Process Specifications Writer, Technical Specification Documentation WriterCategory : Architecture
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The Proposal Writer prepares contract proposals in accordance with business goals and objectives, administers major contracts, documents. Develops resources, researches funding sources, and writes proposals to a variety of organizations. Being a Proposal Writer may negotiate contractual provisions with potential partners. Assists in monitoring proposal process, ensures funder's policies and legal requirements are followed. In addition, Proposal Writer requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Being a Proposal Writer gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Working as a Proposal Writer typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. View Proposal Writer SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Grant Writer, Grant Application Writer, Grants/Proposal Writer, Grantwriting SpecialistCategories : Printing and Publishing , Education , Government , Non-Profit and Social Services , Public Relations , Science and Research