Writers and Authors Salary in Virginia

Writers and authors in Virginia earn the most in Charlottesville (average $80,940 a year) and the least in Richmond ($71,390), across the 3 Virginia metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the writers and authors average at $88,260 and the median at $85,000 for 1,530 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $86,090.

Writers and Authors average salary by city in Virginia

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Charlottesville	$80,940	$76,990	$61,060	$61,931	99
Virginia Beach	$74,730	$73,460	$62,000	$57,920	98
Richmond	$71,390	$74,300	$44,190	$55,762	98

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. 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 Virginia

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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