Writers and Authors Salary in Illinois
Writers and Authors in Illinois earn a median of $68,220 a year, −11% compared with the U.S. median.
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
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers$68,220 median in Illinois (broader BLS group)
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$60,590 median in Illinois
- Public Relations Specialists$76,380 median in Illinois
- Editors$76,060 median in Illinois
- Talent Directors$81,080 median in Illinois (broader BLS group)
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$46,720 median in Illinois
Writers and Authors pay in Illinois
How much do writers and authors 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 writers and authors?
On pay alone it ranks 20 of 43 (−11% vs. the national median of $76,910). Living costs are not included.