What is the average salary of a Hollywood writer?

I've played professional mando and violin for the past 30 years in varoius tourist areas and feel I can give a little insight on professional pay scale as a player. The song writer part you'll have to ask another, but, make sure you copy write it. Anyway, as a player, don't cut yourself and everyone else in the business short by being too cheap and too anxious. Average pay can range from $100 to $350 per 3 hour gig as a side player Solo can be slightly higher depending on you location, notority and talent. As a side person, this hold true even into the big names, unless you are THE one BIG NAME. Remember, set up, hauling equipment, tuning, sound check, and travel is part of the pay not just when you are on stage. Also, charge for over time!! Don't think by playing hours overtime because the crowd loves you, that the establishment and all the staff that is held overtime is just as happy with you!! Watch out for the establishment freebeies like open mic nights and live free auditions! When asked to do a donation benifit it is a good cause and good exposure but, you should receive a check from the charity, then you should write a donation check back to them as YOUR donation then claim it on your taxes as a dedection. Donate any CD's to silent auctions as its a good place to get lots of exposure and once again a tax write off to legit charities. Touring is costly even tho everyone has to do it once just for the experience. Play for the love of the music. Learn and listen and don't get too big for your britches that you can't learn more.