In May 2018, the median salary for writers, including food writers, was $62,170 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The lowest paid 10 percent earned $31,700 or less, and the top paid 10 percent earned $121,670 or more. Writers who worked for newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers earned mean annual salaries of $59,290 in May 2018.

The DOL reports that the median annual salary for editors, including food editors, was $59,480 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,500 and the highest 10 percent earned $117,810 or more per year. Editors who worked for newspaper, book, magazine, and directory publishers earned mean annual salaries of $65,890.

In general, salaries are higher in large cities. Salaries are also dependent on the employer, as larger publications tend to pay more, and the writer or editor's level of experience, as those with many years of experience are able to earn a larger salary.

In addition to their salaries, many food writers and editors receive additional compensation. Most food critics, for example, have the meals they eat at a restaurant for the purpose of a review paid for by their employer. Some food writers and editors also receive travel expenses to cover expenditures such as mileage from driving to cover local events, or airfare and hotel accommodations for covering out-of-town industry events.

Benefits for full-time workers include vacation and sick time, health, and sometimes dental, insurance, and pension or 401(k) plans. Self-employed food writers and editors must provide their own benefits.

Food Writers and Editors

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