In most companies across the United States medical writers are hired at three levels based on their academic background and experience as a medical writer. Freshers or entry level medical writers often start as Medical Writer I and after gaining a few years of experience (usually 2 to 3 years) move to the Medical Writer II position. Again, after spending a substantial amount of time as a Medical Writer II and gaining significant experience across wide range of therapeutic areas, medical writers finally move to the Medical Writer III position. At this level medical writers are mainly responsible for managing large teams of medical writers and in-charge of overall medical writing for large multinational projects. Now let us look at the salary that medical writers in these positions can expect in general, although earnings may vary from one U.S state to another. Earnings may also vary significantly among different companies for the same medical writer level. The data presented below is based on data available till August 2011 and must be used as guidance only.
Medical Writer I:
The base salary for a Medical Writer I position in the United States varies between $38,000 and $67,800 per year. The average annual base salary for a Medical Writer I position as of August 2011 is roughly about $56,000 excluding any bonuses and benefits. About 50% of medical writers working as Medical Writer I draw a base salary between $46,660 and $62,308. Only 25% draw a base salary above $62,000. If you are among the not so lucky ones, you could as well fall in the less than 10% bracket who draw less than $38,000 as annual base salary.
Medical Writer II:
The annual base salary for a Medical Writer II position in the United States varies between $45,000 and $72,000. 50% of medical writers working as Medical Writer II enjoy an annual base salary somewhere between $51,000 and $65,000 with the average yearly salary being about $58,770 excluding any bonuses or benefits. Only about 10% of Medical Writer II positions get paid close to $72,000.
Medical Writer III:
A Medical Writer III position is one of the highest paid positions and data reveals that medical writers working at this level may easily take home an annual base salary between $62,000 and $84,500 with the average salary a whopping $74,264. Only about 10% of Medical Writer III positions draw an annual pay package of less than $62,000.
Writers working at Medical Writer III positions usually gradually move into senior management roles and annual pay packages are more than $100,000.