Writer/Author Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Creative · COL Index: 107.3
$69,150
Median Salary
$73,760
Mean Salary
$64,445
COL-Adjusted
1,590
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $38,590 | $35,965 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,180 | $47,698 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $69,150 | $64,445 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,750 | $87,372 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $114,500 | $106,710 |
What Drives the Range
The $75,910 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Writer/Author positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $69,150 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $64,445 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.