Poets (Lyricists and Creative Writers) Salary in Illinois
Poets (Lyricists and Creative Writers) in Illinois earn a median of $68,220 a year, −11% compared with the U.S. median. Figures are for the broader BLS group “Writers and Authors”.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $68,220
- vs. U.S. median
- −11% ($76,910)
- Rank among states
- 20 of 43
- Jobs in the state
- 2,640
Pay range in Illinois
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $41,830; the top 10% earn over $134,400. Nationally the range is $44,310 to $139,870.
States ranked near Illinois
Similar jobs in Illinois
- Writers and Authors$68,220 median in Illinois
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$60,590 median in Illinois
- Music Directors and Composers$49,270 median in Illinois
- Graphic Designers$62,560 median in Illinois
- Art Directors$103,550 median in Illinois
- Talent Directors$81,080 median in Illinois (broader BLS group)
Poets (Lyricists and Creative Writers) pay in Illinois
How much do poets (lyricists and creative writers) make in Illinois?
The median is $68,220 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $41,830 and the top 10% earn over $134,400. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Illinois a good state for poets (lyricists and creative writers)?
On pay alone it ranks 20 of 43 (−11% vs. the national median of $76,910). Living costs are not included.