Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners Salary by State
The national median pay for gambling and sports book writers and runners is $34,980 a year. By state, it ranges from $19,740 in West Virginia to $54,740 in New York.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $22,090
- 25th percentile
- $28,150
- Median
- $34,980
- 75th percentile
- $44,840
- Top 10%
- $48,270
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 8,950 jobs.
Median pay in 30 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | $54,740 | +56% | $37,350 | $97,670 | 100 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $48,260 | +38% | $35,090 | $57,880 | 90 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $47,720 | +36% | $38,860 | $49,340 | Not published |
| 4 | Wisconsin | $47,250 | +35% | $33,340 | $51,140 | 80 |
| 5 | California | $44,860 | +28% | $36,110 | $50,970 | 1,480 |
| 6 | Washington | $42,180 | +21% | $37,210 | $56,760 | 220 |
| 7 | Ohio | $38,460 | +10% | $29,750 | $73,180 | 360 |
| 8 | Kentucky | $37,910 | +8% | $24,370 | $52,240 | 60 |
| 9 | Michigan | $37,720 | +8% | $30,800 | $41,240 | Not published |
| 10 | Nevada | $37,500 | +7% | $27,100 | $46,090 | 1,440 |
| 11 | Iowa | $37,440 | +7% | $24,090 | $46,820 | 100 |
| 12 | Arizona | $35,640 | +2% | $31,280 | $37,000 | 260 |
| 13 | Minnesota | $35,370 | +1% | $28,920 | $51,410 | 350 |
| 14 | Maryland | $35,230 | +1% | $31,200 | $36,720 | Not published |
| 15 | Illinois | $34,610 | −1% | $31,460 | $51,080 | 130 |
| 16 | Colorado | $34,450 | −2% | $31,010 | $38,110 | Not published |
| 17 | Connecticut | $34,420 | −2% | $34,010 | $40,210 | 70 |
| 18 | Florida | $34,160 | −2% | $27,040 | $58,520 | Not published |
| 19 | South Carolina | $33,650 | −4% | $28,890 | $39,100 | 130 |
| 20 | Indiana | $32,730 | −6% | $26,740 | $43,540 | 90 |
| 21 | Kansas | $31,550 | −10% | $22,840 | $48,820 | 40 |
| 22 | Pennsylvania | $30,690 | −12% | $25,630 | $43,830 | 90 |
| 23 | Texas | $30,660 | −12% | $22,340 | $57,720 | 440 |
| 24 | North Dakota | $30,640 | −12% | $23,280 | $41,590 | 110 |
| 25 | South Dakota | $30,620 | −12% | $29,010 | $36,710 | 80 |
| 26 | Nebraska | $29,670 | −15% | $28,080 | $36,300 | 360 |
| 27 | Mississippi | $28,340 | −19% | $18,050 | $36,300 | 110 |
| 28 | Louisiana | $26,620 | −24% | $15,380 | $30,950 | 180 |
| 29 | Montana | $22,030 | −37% | $21,940 | $23,620 | 1,050 |
| 30 | West Virginia | $19,740 | −44% | $19,290 | $31,690 | 180 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners salary questions
Which state pays gambling and sports book writers and runners the most?
New York, with a median of $54,740 a year (+56% vs. the national median of $34,980). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays gambling and sports book writers and runners the least?
West Virginia, with a median of $19,740 a year (−44% vs. national).
Where do most gambling and sports book writers and runners work?
California has the most jobs, about 1,480, with a median of $44,860.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.