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Medical Writer and Editor I Salary in the United States

How much does a Medical Writer and Editor I make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Writer and Editor I in the United States is $68,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, a Medical Writer and Editor I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,626
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,090 to $74,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,083
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View as table View as graph 25% $63,090 10% $58,083 90% $80,626 75% $74,890 $68,590 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Medical Writer and Editor I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $74,890 $6,241 $1,440 $36
Average $68,590 $5,716 $1,319 $33
25th Percentile $63,090 $5,258 $1,213 $30
Check out Medical Writer and Editor I Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence Medical Writer and Editor I Salaries

A Medical Writer and Editor I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Medical Writer and Editor I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Medical Writer and Editor I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $68,180
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $68,778
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $70,189
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $70,471
  • Expert (over 8 years): $70,659
Levels Salary
Entry Level Medical Writer and Editor I$68,180
Intermediate Level Medical Writer and Editor I$68,778
Senior Level Medical Writer and Editor I$70,189
Specialist Level Medical Writer and Editor I$70,471
Expert Level Medical Writer and Editor I$70,659
$68,180 0 yr
$68,778 < 2 yrs
$70,189 2-4 yrs
$70,471 5-8 yrs
$70,659 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Medical Writer and Editor Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $86,490
  • San Francisco: $85,590
  • Oakland: $83,690

What Skills Can Increase a Medical Writer and Editor I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Attention to Detail (Mentioned in 6.13% Job Postings): Executing and completing a task with a high level of accuracy.
  • Word Processing (Mentioned in 2.45% Job Postings): word processing, operation in which a text-editing software program called a word processor is used to create a document on a computer. A word-processing system can produce a wide variety of documents, including letters, memoranda, and manuals, rapidly and at relatively low cost.
  • Medical Education (Mentioned in 1.62% Job Postings): Medical education is a course of study directed toward imparting knowledge and skills required for the prevention and treatment of diseases to persons seeking to become physicians.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Attention to Detail 6.13%
Word Processing 2.45%
Medical Education 1.62%

Medical Writer and Editor I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Medical Writer and Editor I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Medical Writer and Editor I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Medical Writer and Editor I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Clinical Study Medical Writer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $77,100 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Medical Writer and Editor I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Medical Writer and Editor I

Here are companies hiring for Medical Writer and Editor I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Medical Writer and Editor I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Medical Writer and Editor I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Medical Writer and Editor I

1. Is it hard to become a medical editor?

Becoming a medical editor can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the field. It requires dedication and hard work to establish yourself. Additionally, the salary range for medical writers and editors typically falls between $71,790 and $89,590, reflecting the demand and expertise needed in this profession.

2. What is the difference between an editor and a writer?

Editors revise and refine written content, correcting grammar and enhancing clarity, while writers generate original pieces like articles and books. Understanding these roles can guide your career choice. In the medical writing and editing field, salaries range from $71,790 to $89,590, with a median salary of $80,990, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this area.

3. Which medical profession is highest paid?

The salary data for Medical Writers and Editors indicates a range of earnings, with a minimum salary of $71,790, a mid-range salary of $80,990, and a maximum salary of $89,590. While this profession offers competitive compensation, other medical roles may surpass these figures, depending on specialization and experience.

4. What is the highest salary for a Medical Writer?

The highest salary for a Medical Writer is $89,590 per year. This translates to approximately $7,449 per month. The top-paying industries for Medical Writers typically include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical communications, where specialized knowledge and expertise are highly valued.

5. What is a medical editor writer?

A medical editor/writer is a professional who specializes in editing and creating medical texts. Their work includes refining regulatory information for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and articles for medical journals, as well as reporting on research breakthroughs. Salaries for this role range from $71,790 to $89,590, with a median salary of $80,990.

6. Is editing a stressful job?

Editing can indeed be a stressful job, especially for Medical Writers and Editors who often work under tight deadlines. With salaries ranging from $71,790 to $89,590, the pressure to produce high-quality work can be significant. However, by prioritizing work-life balance, editors can reduce stress and maintain their passion for the craft over time.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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