How Much Do Television Writers Make? (With Types of Roles)

Updated February 3, 2023

Television writers create the characters and plot lines for movies and television series on network TV, cable and streaming services. The salary for this career often depends on factors such as the individual's location or experience. If you're interested in becoming a television writer, you may benefit from learning about the salary expectations for this career.In this article, we answer the question "How much do television writers make?" and provide a list of average salaries by state, plus we explain factors that influence a TV writer's pay.

What is a television writer?

A television writer is a specialized writer who works on scripts for television series, programs, documentaries, game shows, news programs, commercials and more. They develop the situations, stories, characters and dialogue that help create a television production. Everyone involved in the project, such as actors and the director, uses these guidelines to create the writer's vision.Television writers typically work in a team with other writers to ensure they meet deadlines and achieve script continuity. They also often hold a bachelor's degree in an area such as English or journalism, but this isn't always a requirement.Related: Learn How To Write A Script in 8 Simple Steps

How much do television writers make?

A television writer is a type of technical writer. Technical writers make an average of $61,668 per year in the United States. Each state has a different average salary for this career based on factors like the area's cost of living and demand for industry professionals. Here's a list of the average pay for television writers by state:

Alabama: $47,263 per year
Alaska: $42,351 per year
Arizona: $56,158 per year
Arkansas: $61,399 per year
California: $71,758 per year
Colorado: $59,386 per year
Connecticut: $57,151 per year
Delaware: $69,954 per year
Florida: $53,205 per year
Georgia: $61,415 per year
Hawaii: $82,818 per year
Idaho: $38,196 per year
Illinois: $59,788 per year
Indiana: $54,578 per year
Iowa: $53,315 per year
Kansas: $59,179 per year
Kentucky: $55,927 per year
Louisiana: $48,390 per year
Maine: $58,050 per year
Maryland: $79,682 per year
Massachusetts: $73,734 per year
Michigan: $51,685 per year
Minnesota: $70,918 per year
Mississippi: $61,122 per year
Missouri: $46,870 per year
Montana: $39,065 per year
Nebraska: $86,075 per year
Nevada: $76,802 per year
New Hampshire: $54,538 per year
New Jersey: $64,530 per year
New Mexico: $39,181 per year
New York: $76,063 per year
North Carolina: $82,966 per year
North Dakota: $56,549 per year
Ohio: $55,554 per year
Oklahoma: $38,236 per year
Oregon: $55,702 per year
Pennsylvania: $59,881 per year
Rhode Island: $46,548 per year
South Carolina: $70,969 per year
South Dakota: $36,070 per year
Tennessee: $59,930 per year
Texas: $60,999 per year
Utah: $37,474 per year
Vermont: $51,244 per year
Virginia: $86,724 per year
Washington: $64,695 per year
West Virginia: $64,880 per year
Wisconsin: $54,663 per year
Wyoming: $55,280 per year

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link(s) provided.Related: How To Become a Comedy Writer in 5 Actionable Steps

What factors influence a television writer's pay?

What a television writer receives as compensation depends on various aspects of their employment, including:

Membership in the Writers Guild of America (WGA)

The Writers Guild of America is a labor union representing radio, television, film and new media writers. If a writer is a member of this organization, there is a minimum set for earnings. Though, the writer can earn more and there is no limit to compensation. Writers working on union productions must be members of the WGA.Related: What Is a Union?

Writing on spec

Writing on spec means the writer is pitching a show idea or script in the hope that the production company picks up the program for a full run of episodes. The WGA controls the conditions and minimums for this type of material as well. The minimum payment for these projects depends on the length of the program, broadcast company and script type.Related: Guide to Creative Jobs (5 Types With Career Paths for Each)

Additional roles

A television writer may choose to take on other roles in addition to writing the script. For example, the position of producer or story editor is a common choice. Again, the WGA controls the minimum compensation increase when an individual works in multiple roles.Related: What Does a Story Editor Do? (Plus How To Become One)

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Types of television writers

There are several different types of writers in the television industry. The type of television writer role you pursue can affect the compensation you earn. Here are some common job titles:

Staff writer

This is an entry-level position and how most TV writers begin their careers. In this position, you're responsible for writing smaller segments of a show. You may not receive a mention in the show credits at this level, but it's a great way to start your career as a television writer.Related: How To Get Hired as a Staff Writer (With 6 Steps)

Story editor

Despite their job titles, story editors do very little, if any, actual editing. Instead, they pitch ideas and write at least one episode of the program. These individuals oversee the entire script-writing process and help guide the other writers on the staff.Related: How To Pitch a Story: With Steps, Template and Example

Executive story editor

Writers in this role are mid-level employees with at least three years of experience. Executive story editors typically help other writers on the team create programs and make revisions to the script when necessary. They may also provide story ideas for the other writers to follow.

Head writer

The person leading and overseeing a group of writers is the head writer. Comedy shows, talk shows and soap operas usually employ more head writers than other TV genres. Sometimes, head writers also assume the role of showrunner for a season of the series.Related: FAQ: How Much Does a Showrunner Make?

Producer

Producers and co-producers are writers that hold more responsibilities. For example, a co-producer may oversee production at a higher level and ensure it stays within budget. Similar to a co-producer, a producer is often assigned to other duties in addition to writing. Tasks like sitting in on casting sessions for higher-level producers are common.Related: Showrunner Assistant vs. Writer's Assistant: Key Differences

Supervising producer

A supervising producer holds a senior-level position and oversees the work of other producers. They're usually heavily involved in the pre-production, filming and post-production phases of program development. They may have more creative control regarding the scripts they write.Related: 20 Companies for Creative Writing Freelance Jobs

Executive producer

Executive producer and co-executive producer are two of the highest-ranking job titles a writer can earn in the film industry. Usually, an executive producer is the creator of the show who wrote the pilot, and they oversee the entire production.This is the highest-ranking television writing position. The co-executive producer works directly under the executive producer, which means they run production in the absence of the showrunner. All on-staff writers report to the co-executive producer.Please note that none of the organizations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.