Normal editorial writers are, but how about the op-ed writers? And how about op-ed columnists?
For one-shot writers, it depends upon the newspaper. Generally, the larger the paper, the better the chance they will pay. The smaller the paper, the less chance, but it may be easier to place your pieces there than, say, the Washington Post.
For syndicated writers, they most assuredly are paid. Generally, a newspaper can buy a syndicate’s package of writers (same with the editorial cartoonist) and run them as they see fit.
It also depends if the person writing is a government official. Spencer Abraham, Secretary of Energy, wrote an op-ed piece for the NY Times Saturday. I doubt he got paid for that. He just wanted the space.
I also think that it was ghost-written.
Please excuse my ignorance here but what is an op-ed writer?
An op-ed piece is a signed viewpoint or opinion article, or sometimes a comical essay. The name comes from the fact that such articles are traditionally printed on the “op-ed” page, opposite the editorial page.
I always thought it was the page where opinions and editorials went. But your explanation makes more sense… 