Writers and Authors Salary in Pennsylvania

Writers and authors in Pennsylvania earn the most in Philadelphia (average $95,850 a year) and the least in Lancaster ($70,700), across the 3 Pennsylvania metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the writers and authors average at $90,060 and the median at $77,410 for 1,080 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $86,090.

Writers and Authors average salary by city in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia$95,850
Harrisburg$79,410
Lancaster$70,700

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Philadelphia	$95,850	$84,130	$60,320	$73,318	103
Harrisburg	$79,410	$77,740	$62,190	$62,257	99
Lancaster	$70,700	$65,660	$47,390	$56,397	98

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; local earned income taxes (for example Philadelphia's wage tax) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Writers and Authors salary in other states

Writers and Authors salary by city and state

More about pay in Pennsylvania

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 27-3043.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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