Highest-Paying States for Writers and Authors

Ranked purely by BLS median annual wage — this does not account for cost of living or job availability. See best states for a balanced ranking.

1. 1District of Columbia$129,300
2. 2Maryland$104,330
3. 3Connecticut$98,460
4. 4Vermont$94,430
5. 5Louisiana$89,520
6. 6California$86,480
7. 7Washington$85,700
8. 8Massachusetts$85,260
9. 9Virginia$85,000
10. 10New Jersey$81,590
11. 11Oregon$80,540
12. 12Pennsylvania$77,410
13. 13Colorado$76,830
14. 14Indiana$75,820
15. 15Georgia$74,710