How much does a Professional Writer make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Professional Writer in the United States is $57,390. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $47,426 to $69,135, with most professionals earning between $38,355 and $79,829.

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Salary range for a Professional Writer
$47,426 to $69,135
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Professional Writer Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Professional Writer between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Professional Writer in each city.
Click to see the salary for Professional Writer in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $71,674
Washington, DC $63,542
Miami, FL $55,140
Chicago, IL $59,307
Boston, MA $64,007
New York, NY $66,509
Dallas, TX $56,673
If you'd like know Professional Writer Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
47426
69135
57390

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
48385
72801
58670
What is the average salary for Professional Writer in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Professional Writer in the United States. The base salary for Professional Writer ranges from $47,426 to $69,135 with the average base salary of $57,390. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $48,385 to $72,801 with the average total cash compensation of $58,670.
Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $57,390 $47,426 - $69,135
Bonus $1,280 $959 - $3,666
Total Pay $58,670 $48,385 - $72,801
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.
Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Professional Writer, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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47426
69135

 

What's the difference between Writer and Professional Writer?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Professional Writer is $57,390, and the average salary of Writer is $74,430. The average salary of Writer is higher than Professional Writer. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Professional Writer, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Professional Writer. a Professional Writer Salary in Riverside, CA is $60,552 as of April 01, 2025; a Professional Writer Salary in Bossier City, LA is $52,650 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
Why does the salary of a Professional Writer vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Professional Writer?
Salary ranges for a Professional Writer can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

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Last Update: April 01, 2025