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Writer Salary in St. Louis, MO β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for St. Louis's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Writer Salary in St. Louis β€” Key Numbers

$63,373
Median Salary
$40,317
25th Percentile
$98,453
75th Percentile
$144,317
90th Percentile
National median (Writer)$73,690
vs. National median-14.0%
St. Louis median household income$61,400
vs. City household income+3.2%

Cost of Living in St. Louis

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$900/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio17.0%
Annual rent cost$10,800
Median Home Price$205,000
Home Price / Salary3.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$41,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.2 yrs

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

Job Market in St. Louis

4.3%
Unemployment Rate
2,820,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
36.6
Median Age

St. Louis has a metro population of 2,820,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Writer Salary β€” Other Missouri Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Writer make in St. Louis, MO?

The estimated median salary for a Writer in St. Louis is $63,373 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $73,690 adjusted by St. Louis's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $40,317 (25th percentile) to $98,453 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $144,317.

Is St. Louis affordable for a Writer?

On a $63,373 annual salary, a Writer in St. Louis would spend approximately 17.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($900/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making St. Louis relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $205,000 is 3.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Writer's salary compare to St. Louis's overall income?

St. Louis's median household income is $61,400. A Writer earning the city-adjusted median of $63,373 earns 3.2% more than the typical St. Louis household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.