How does a Writer's salary in Roanoke compare to the rest of Virginia?

Roanoke's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Writer earning the city-adjusted median of $64,847 earns $9,047 more than the median household income in Roanoke ($55,800).

Writer Salary in Roanoke, VA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Roanoke's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Writer Salary in Roanoke — Key Numbers

$64,847

Median Salary

$41,254

25th Percentile

$100,742

75th Percentile

$147,673

90th Percentile

National median (Writer)$73,690

vs. National median-12.0%

Roanoke median household income$55,800

vs. City household income+16.2%

Cost of Living in Roanoke

Cost of Living Index

88(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$950/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio17.6%

Annual rent cost$11,400

Median Home Price$215,000

Home Price / Salary3.3×

20% Down Payment$43,000

Years to save (20% rate)3.3 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Roanoke

3.6%

Unemployment Rate

320,000

Metro Population

22 min

Avg Commute

39.5

Median Age

Roanoke has a metro population of 320,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Roanoke

💰

Take-Home Pay Calculator

See your net pay on $64,847/yr

⏱️

Salary to Hourly

Convert $64,847/yr to hourly rate

🏙️

Cost of Living — Roanoke

Compare Roanoke to other cities

🏠

Rent vs. Buy in Roanoke

Is buying worth it on your salary?

📊

Budget Planner

Plan your budget in Roanoke

🗺️

Writer Salary in Virginia

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Roanoke

Physician$201,784 Chief Executive Officer$184,800 Dentist$154,449 IT Manager$149,169 Marketing Manager$138,706 Lawyer$128,269

Writer Salary — Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA$75,901 Richmond, VA$71,479

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Writer make in Roanoke, VA?

The estimated median salary for a Writer in Roanoke is $64,847 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $73,690 adjusted by Roanoke's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $41,254 (25th percentile) to $100,742 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $147,673.

Is Roanoke affordable for a Writer?

On a $64,847 annual salary, a Writer in Roanoke would spend approximately 17.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Roanoke relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 3.3× the annual salary.

How does a Writer's salary compare to Roanoke's overall income?

Roanoke's median household income is $55,800. A Writer earning the city-adjusted median of $64,847 earns 16.2% more than the typical Roanoke household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Writer — National Writer in Virginia All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.