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Creative & Media

IQ Required for Author / Writer

Author / Writer professionals typically score between 107 and 127 on standardized IQ tests, with an average of 117 (High Average).

Average IQ

117

High Average

IQ Range

107–127

Typical range

Median Salary

$73,150

Per year

Growth Outlook

4%

Stable

Do you match the Author / Writer cognitive profile?

Author / Writer professionals tend to score highest in verbal comprehension. See how your own five-domain profile compares — and which careers actually fit it.

See your full cognitive profile

Cognitive Domain Emphasis

Different professions demand different cognitive strengths. Here is how the cognitive demands break down for Author / Writer professionals.

Verbal Comprehension50%
Mathematical Ability20%
Logical Reasoning15%
Pattern Recognition15%

About Author / Writer

Authors and writers create original content including books, articles, scripts, and other literary works. This is one of the most verbally demanding professions, requiring exceptional command of language, narrative reasoning, and the creative pattern recognition to craft compelling stories.

The cognitive profile for this role emphasizes verbal comprehension (50% of the cognitive demand) and mathematical ability (20%). With an average IQ of 117, Author / Writer professionals fall in the high average range of cognitive ability, reflecting the intellectual demands of the role. See what this score means with our IQ Percentile Calculator.

Salary Breakdown

Compensation for Author / Writer professionals varies significantly with experience, location, and specialization.

Entry Level (10th %ile)

$33,800

Median Salary

$73,150

Experienced (90th %ile)

$138,000

Wondering if you’d make the cut?

These are the field’s numbers — the more useful question is where you stand relative to them, and why no cutoff exists.

Am I smart enough to be a Author / Writer?

Related Professions

Explore other careers with similar cognitive profiles and IQ requirements.

Journalist

IQ 114Creative & Media

Range: 104–124

Technical Writer

IQ 112Creative & Media

Range: 102–122

Translator / Interpreter

IQ 113Creative & Media

Range: 103–123

Film Director

IQ 116Creative & Media

Range: 106–126

Author / Writer is one of 147 professions ranked by the reasoning a job actually demands — O*NET ability ratings joined to BLS median wages, sortable by either.

How Our IQ Test Maps to This Career

Our comprehensive IQ assessment measures five cognitive domains, including the ones that most define success in Author / Writer roles: Verbal Comprehension (50%), Mathematical Ability (20%), Logical Reasoning (15%), Pattern Recognition (15%).

By taking our assessment, you will receive domain-specific scores that reveal how your cognitive strengths align with the demands of this profession. Whether you are considering a career as a Author / Writer or looking to understand your aptitude for the field, your results provide actionable insight into your fit.

Take the free IQ testMatch your mind to real careers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average IQ of a Author / Writer?
The average IQ for Author / Writer professionals is 117, which falls in the "High Average" range. Individual scores typically range from 107 to 127, reflecting the diversity of cognitive profiles within the field.
What cognitive skills are most important for Author / Writer?
Verbal Comprehension is the most emphasized cognitive domain for Author / Writer professionals, accounting for 50% of the cognitive profile. This is followed by the other domains in varying proportions that reflect the unique intellectual demands of the role.
How much does a Author / Writer earn?
The median salary for Author / Writer professionals is $73,150 per year. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) earn around $33,800, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $138,000.
What is the job outlook for Author / Writer?
The job outlook for Author / Writer is stable with a projected growth rate of 4%. This is roughly in line with the national average.
Do I need a high IQ to become a Author / Writer?
No. While the average IQ for Author / Writer professionals is 117, IQ is only one factor in career success. Motivation, education, relevant skills, and work experience matter significantly. Many successful Author / Writer professionals have IQ scores across the full 107–127 range and beyond. Use these figures as context for cognitive demands, not as a prerequisite.

Career Resources

Where to go next, whether you want the wider picture or your own number.

  • Quick IQ TestFifteen minutes, free, no sign-up to start.
  • Career-IQ MatcherMatch your cognitive profile against real occupations.
  • Career Advice ArticlesUsing cognitive strengths in a real job search.
  • IQ Comparison ToolCompare a score against professions, college majors, countries and famous people.

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