Creative Writer Salary (May 2023) - Zippia (2023)

Updated April 6, 2023

Creative Writer Salary Estimate

$73,095

To create our salary estimates, Zippia starts with data published in publicly available sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC) Show More

$35.14 hourly

Entry level Salary

$46,000 yearly

How much does a Creative Writer make?

The average salary for a creative writer in the United States is $73,095. Creative writer salaries typically range between $46,000 and $114,000 a year. The average hourly rate for creative writers is $35.14 per hour.

Location, education, and experience impacts how much a creative writer can expect to make. Creative writers make the most in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

Research Summary.

  • The average salary for a creative writer is $73,095 in the US.
  • The average creative writer salary ranges between $46,000 and $114,000 in the US.
  • Hourly rates for creative writers in the US typically range between $22 and $54 an hour.
  • The average creative writer salary is $98,653 in California, $96,826 in New Jersey, and $91,192 in Pennsylvania. These are the three highest-paying states for creative writers in the US.
  • Apple has the highest average salary for creative writers.
  • Internet is the highest-paying industry for creative writers in the US.

Highest Paying States For Creative Writers

Throughout the U.S., the average salary for a creative writer is roughly $73,095 per year, which boils down to $35.14 per hour. Interestingly enough, creative writers have the highest salaries in Redwood City, CA at about $103,537 per year. For those who are just starting out, the average entry-level salary in Redwood City, CA is $58,000. Additionally, creative writers make more than the average salary in Mountain View, CA, Palo Alto, CA, San Francisco, CA, Parksdale, CA, and Sacramento, CA. On a more broad level, creative writer salaries are highest in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Washington. On the contrary, Florida, Iowa, and Missouri offer the lowest creative writer salaries.

  • State View
  • County View

Creative Writer average salary by State

RankStateAvg. SalaryHourly RateJob Count
1California$98,653$47.431,344
2New Jersey$96,826$46.55275
3District of Columbia$97,231$46.75211
4Massachusetts$90,264$43.40403
5Washington$88,432$42.52274
6Pennsylvania$91,192$43.84285
7New York$85,943$41.321,005
8Utah$80,782$38.84127
9Wisconsin$90,580$43.55124
10Idaho$84,629$40.6946
11Indiana$90,322$43.42116
12Connecticut$87,689$42.1693
13Virginia$81,021$38.95452
14Vermont$79,627$38.2836
15Nevada$79,446$38.2078
16North Dakota$78,480$37.7327
17Maryland$80,303$38.61358
18Delaware$81,351$39.1138
19Rhode Island$79,056$38.0142
20Nebraska$77,383$37.2078
21Maine$80,570$38.7421
22West Virginia$74,609$35.8731
23North Carolina$70,488$33.89292
24Colorado$75,085$36.10167
25Oregon$68,687$33.02220
26New Hampshire$72,546$34.8847
27Alaska$69,311$33.3234
28Mississippi$76,568$36.8130
29New Mexico$70,034$33.6750
30Ohio$69,660$33.49180
31Minnesota$66,805$32.12180
32Kentucky$69,341$33.3459
33Wyoming$60,184$28.9339
34Montana$64,241$30.8937
35Illinois$64,947$31.22400
36South Dakota$66,000$31.7321
37Texas$64,176$30.85520
38Alabama$66,713$32.0770
39Louisiana$66,733$32.0839
40Oklahoma$63,017$30.3058
41Arkansas$61,607$29.6252
42Georgia$63,270$30.42227
43Michigan$61,318$29.48173
44Arizona$58,958$28.35132
45South Carolina$61,561$29.6073
46Florida$58,694$28.22399
47Hawaii$42,118$20.2526
48Missouri$57,130$27.47150
49Iowa$58,594$28.1760
50Kansas$54,681$26.2962
51Tennessee$53,080$25.52116

Top

(Video) Well, I woke up this morning to this triggered @chosenforjustice8701 butt hurt bish!

Creative Writer

Jobs Near You

Highest Paying Cities For Creative Writers

RankCityAvg. SalaryHourly RateJob Count
1Redwood City, CA$103,537$49.78
2Mountain View, CA$103,517$49.77
3Palo Alto, CA$103,512$49.772
4San Francisco, CA$103,377$49.70
5Parksdale, CA$102,240$49.15
6Sacramento, CA$101,673$48.88
7Santa Monica, CA$97,954$47.09
8Glendale, CA$97,949$47.09
9Los Angeles, CA$97,885$47.06
10Manhattan Beach, CA$97,651$46.95
11Washington, DC$97,470$46.861
12Iselin, NJ$97,024$46.65
13Englewood Cliffs, NJ$96,757$46.52
14Irvine, CA$96,739$46.511
15Spring Grove, PA$90,718$43.61
(Video) How To WRITE An OPTIMIZED Resume | How To Make A Resume Webinar

Creative Writers Salary Details

Creative Writer Salary (May 2023) - Zippia (2)

What is a Creative Writer's Salary?

PercentileAnnual SalaryMonthly SalaryHourly Rate
90th Percentile$114,000$9,500$55
75th Percentile$92,000$7,667$44
Average$73,095$6,091$35
25th Percentile$57,000$4,750$27
10th Percentile$46,000$3,833$22

Highest Paying Types of Creative Writers

Job TitleAnnual SalaryMonthly SalaryHourly RateJob Openings
Publisher$71,539$5,962$34.3910,303
Editor$52,107$4,342$25.0515,115
News Editor$53,822$4,485$25.8812,484
Technical Editor$61,717$5,143$29.6778,423
Managing Editor$89,060$7,422$42.8216,781
Technical Writer And Editor$65,088$5,424$31.2978,617

Which Companies Pay Creative Writers The Most?

According to our most recent salary estimates, Apple and Meta are the highest paying companies for creative writers.

RankCompanyAverage SalaryHourly RateJob Openings
1Apple$129,063$62.05253
2Meta$126,107$60.631
3Google$121,584$58.456
4Squarespace$120,901$58.13
5NBCUniversal$92,535$44.4955
6Electronic Arts$90,197$43.363
7Alteryx$88,893$42.74
8Entrata$86,900$41.78
9Fisher Investments$86,054$41.37
10Foundation For A Christian$83,117$39.96
11Plains Cotton Cooperative Association$82,759$39.79
12Ericsson$77,731$37.37
13KPMG LLP$77,488$37.252
14Crystal Equation$76,870$36.96
15Johnson Controls$74,140$35.64
16Strategic Staffing Solutions$74,030$35.59
17Thermo Fisher Scientific$71,632$34.4418
18Salesforce$69,845$33.58
19National Restaurant Association$67,008$32.22
20Kelly Services$46,032$22.138

Show More

Creative Writer Pay Trends

Average Creative Writer Salary Over Time

Compare salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.

(Video) Next up is Trinity -- the 3-headed slizut!

    Creative Writer Salary By Year

    YearAvg. SalaryHourly Rate% Change
    2023$73,100$35.14+5.8%
    2022$68,800$33.09+1.6%
    2021$67,700$32.55+0.6%
    2020$67,300$32.37+0.9%
    2019$66,700$32.06+1.6%

    Show More

    Recently Added Creative Writer Salaries

    CompanyJobLocationDate AddedSalary
    UnileverCreative CopywriterWest Hollywood, CA04/24/2023$91,000
    NBC UniversalCreative WriterNew York, NY04/08/2023$95,000
    ICFCreative CopywriterSan Juan, PR04/07/2023$51,333
    ICFCreative CopywriterAugusta, ME04/07/2023$51,333
    ICFCreative CopywriterSaint Paul, MN04/07/2023$51,333
    ICFCreative CopywriterUrban Honolulu, HI04/07/2023$51,333
    ICFCreative CopywriterLincoln, NE04/07/2023$51,333
    ICFCreative CopywriterSanta Fe, NM04/07/2023$51,333
    ICFCreative CopywriterColumbia, SC04/07/2023$51,333
    ICFCreative CopywriterRaleigh, NC04/07/2023$51,333

    Show More

    Creative Writer Salaries FAQs

    What State Pays Creative Writers The Most?

    California pays Creative Writers the most in the United States, with an average salary of $98,653 per year, or $47.43 per hour.

    How Do I Know If I'm Being Paid Fairly As A Creative Writer?

    You know if you are being paid fairly as a Creative Writer if your pay is close to the average pay for the state you live in. For example, if you live in District of Columbia you should be paid close to $97,231 per year.

    Search For Creative Writer Jobs

    Updated April 6, 2023

    (Video) This is Why Your Resume Gets Rejected

    FAQs

    How much do writers make 2023? ›

    As of May 19, 2023, the average weekly pay for a Writer in the United States is $1,196 a week. While ZipRecruiter is seeing weekly wages as high as $2,346 and as low as $231, the majority of Writer wages currently range between $740 (25th percentile) to $1,394 (75th percentile) across the United States.

    What is the salary of a creative writer? ›

    $44,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $62,000 is the 75th percentile.

    What is the highest salary for a writer? ›

    What is a Writer's Salary?
    PercentileAnnual SalaryMonthly Salary
    90th Percentile$107,000$8,917
    75th Percentile$85,000$7,083
    Average$66,143$5,512
    25th Percentile$51,000$4,250
    1 more row

    What is the highest UX writer salary? ›

    $160,000

    How much does a copywriter charge in 2023? ›

    With over seven years of digital marketing experience and real-life experience, my copywriting service rate for 2023 is between $. 50-$. 80/word with a max of 2,000 words. This rate will change over time as I pick up more copywriting clients of course!

    What is a good hourly rate for a freelance writer? ›

    Here's a breakdown to help you gauge your per-hour rate based on your experience level: Entry Level — $15 to $30 per hour. Intermediate — $35 to $60 per hour. Experienced — $65 to $100 per hour.

    Does creative writing pay well? ›

    The average salary for a creative writer in the United States is $73,095. Creative writer salaries typically range between $46,000 and $114,000 a year. The average hourly rate for creative writers is $35.14 per hour. Location, education, and experience impacts how much a creative writer can expect to make.

    How much do freelance creative writers make? ›

    How Much Do Freelance Writer Jobs Pay per Hour?
    Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
    Top Earners$156,000$13,000
    75th Percentile$63,500$5,291
    Average$60,985$5,082
    25th Percentile$37,500$3,125

    Can you make a living as a creative writer? ›

    Creative writing jobs aren't just for the John Grishams and Danielle Steels of the world. If you love wordsmithing and enjoy developing an idea, you can earn money from anywhere — even if you've never been paid for writing before. It sounds like a pipe dream, but thousands of writers do it every day.

    Can I make 100k as a writer? ›

    Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a writer.

    The chances of earning over $100k for a writer are actually pretty good because the highest-paid writer positions typically pay at least $102,000 per year. The average annual salary is $65,718 for writer jobs.

    Is there a high demand for writers? ›

    Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 15,200 openings for writers and authors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

    How much do UX writers make in 2023? ›

    As of May 13, 2023, the average annual pay for an Ux Writer in the United States is $118,555 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $57.00 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,279/week or $9,879/month.

    Is being a UX writer stressful? ›

    Like any job, being a UX designer can be stressful. However, many UX designers find that they enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the job, which can reduce stress.

    Is UX writing in high demand? ›

    As the demand for UX writers continues to grow, and as you build your portfolio and gain more experience, your salary can increase too. So, if you're passionate about writing and have a knack for creating user-friendly digital experiences, a career as a UX writer could be a great choice for you.

    Can a copywriter be a millionaire? ›

    Yes, of course it can. But like I said in the beginning of this article, you get out what you put in. Don't expect to make a million dollars in your first year. It takes time to build up the experience, expertise, and social proof you need to charge the big-bucks.

    How much should a writer charge per 1,000 words? ›

    From 50 Cents to About $2 Per Word. Starting From $0.10 Per Word for a Basic Blog Post. At Least $250 Per 1,000 Words. $15 to $20 for 1,000 Words Depending on the Topic and Deadline.

    Is copywriting in demand 2023? ›

    The great thing about copywriting is that it will always be in demand. In fact, as the world increasingly moves online, the demand for copywriters will only continue to grow. After all, someone has to write all those website descriptions, social media posts, and email newsletters. And who better to do it than you?

    How much do you charge for a 500 word article? ›

    For one interview source when writing for an editorial brand, I aim to earn at least $0.75 a word when I'm thinking about how much to charge for 500-word article, and it depends on the topic. That averages to at least $375 for an article.

    How much should a beginner freelance writer charge? ›

    We recommend beginner freelance writers charge no less than $0.05 to $0.20 per word. If you consider the example of a 1,000-word blog post, this means you'll range from $50 to $200 per post. In reality, many beginning writers make $0.01 to $0.04 per word, which is an unreasonably low fee.

    How much do freelance writers make per 1,000 words? ›

    Another freelance writer uses a calculator to price projects and typically uses the following range for blog posts: 1000-1500 words: USD 600. 1500-2000 words: USD 700. 2000-2500 words: USD 800.

    Is a BA in creative writing worth it? ›

    A degree in creative writing can lead to a variety of career opportunities such as becoming a poet, author, or publishing editor. Additionally, as creative writing majors have a strong grasp of the English language, they can also explore other career paths such as copywriting or technical writing.

    Is creative writing a skill or talent? ›

    Although some people have a natural talent for writing, creative writing is a skill that anyone can learn, as long as they dedicate enough time and effort to do so.

    How hard is it to earn money from writing? ›

    Writing is hard work, making money from it is harder still, but it's certainly not impossible. There's no mystery to how you can make money, but it does take a clear vision of what path you want to take to get there, and what part of the process you value most.

    Can I make $1000 a month freelance writing? ›

    Even with little or no experience, you can make $1,000 or more per month as a freelance writer in a short period of time. But that's just the beginning! Some of the go getters I know earn as much as $100K- $200K a year from freelance copywriting jobs (more about that below)!

    What type of freelance writing pays the most? ›

    The healthcare and medical sector is one of the highest-paying niches in freelance writing. Content in this niche requires similar skill sets to technical writing—as well as extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry.

    Can I make a living as a freelance writer? ›

    Freelance writing can be a fantastic way to earn money and can even lead to full-time income if you can consistently produce quality work.

    Can I be a creative writer without a degree? ›

    You don't need a degree to be a writer, nor do you need to be a certain age. Becoming a writer simply requires an admiration for—and a longing to create with—language. So, don't worry about becoming a writer later in life or lacking a formal education.

    Do you need a degree to be a creative writer? ›

    The education needed to be a creative writer is normally a bachelor's degree. Creative writers usually study english, communication or writing. 73% of creative writers hold a bachelor's degree and 10% hold a associate degree.

    What's the difference between a writer and a creative writer? ›

    Unlike other forms of writing, creative writing is not limited by the rules or restrictions that dictate other journalistic, technical or academic styles. The term includes a number of different genres and styles in both a fictional and non-fictional context and allows for a level of artistic or creative freedom.

    How can I make $200 K a year? ›

    Jobs that make 200k a year include:
    1. Voice actor.
    2. Plastic surgeon.
    3. Oral surgeon.
    4. Information security director.
    5. Investment banker.
    6. Judge.
    7. Anesthesiologist.
    8. Dermatologist.
    Jan 12, 2023

    What percentage of writers are successful? ›

    Within the book publishing industry, it is agreed that the odds of an author getting their work published stands between 1% and 2%. Despite this low number, more than 95% of manuscripts received by publishers and agents are below the level the standard required.

    How many books to sell to make $100,000? ›

    To make $100k with those 24books, you'd need to sell 174 copies of each book each month. After the third year, you'll have 36 books published. To make $100k with those 36 books, you'd need to sell 116 copies of each book each month.

    Is writing a good career in 2023? ›

    One study found that 73 percent of employers now consider writing one of the top three "most desired" qualities in job candidates. Article continues after video. Whether you're a business owner, student, employee, or manager, improving your writing skills should be one of your professional development goals for 2023.

    Do writers work long hours? ›

    Erica Vetsch: The true answer is—it depends. If I'm on a deadline of some kind, I can write from 4-6 hours a day. Mostly, I write from 2-4 hours on weekday afternoons. I do lots of other writing tasks like editing, marketing, blogging, etc, but for writing on the manuscript, I average about 3 hours per weekday.

    Which degree is best for writers? ›

    • Liberal Arts. A liberal arts degree is one of the most general and flexible options for writers. ...
    • English. A degree in English exposes students to a wide variety of literature. ...
    • Creative Writing. ...
    • Media and Journalism. ...
    • Theater and Film. ...
    • Professional and Technical Writing. ...
    • Linguistics. ...
    • Marketing.

    Is it realistic to make money as an author? ›

    How much can authors expect to earn from their books? A first-time author with a traditional publishing deal might expect an advance of $1,000-$10,000 and 5-18% royalties once they “earn out” their advance. Self-published authors do not receive advances, but their royalties can reach up to 70% for ebook editions.

    What is the monthly income of writer? ›

    The national average salary for a Writer is ₹25,758 in India.

    Do most Writers have a day job? ›

    Do Most Authors Have a Day Job? Yes. Making a living with your creative writing is a financial life plan in the same way winning the lottery is a financial life plan. Good luck, but don't quit your day job.

    Is 27 too old to become a UX designer? ›

    There are challenges, of course, but you're never too old to become a UX designer.

    How do I become a content writer in 2023? ›

    Tips to Become a Successful Content Writer
    1. Keep Honing Your Skills. As you write more content, keep sharpening your skills as a writer. ...
    2. Read Digital Content. Reading is one of the simplest ways to improve your writing. ...
    3. Freelancing. ...
    4. Editing and Proofreading. ...
    5. Identify Your Niche.
    6 days ago

    Is UX on demand 2023? ›

    Yes, UX is in great demand in a growing number of industries. Even in 2022, the need for UX designers has grown growing. On Glassdoor's yearly Best Jobs list, the UX designer job made it to the 24th spot with just over 7,000 job openings in the USA as of July 2022. It is unlikely that this will change in 2023.

    Why is getting a UX job so hard? ›

    It is hard to get a job in UX because of several reasons. First of all, many designers are looking for a job. Because of that, competition is fierce, and companies know it. They can go for someone with a lot of experience, even if the job doesn't require it.

    Can I be a UX writer without a degree? ›

    No, you do not need a specific degree to be a UX Designer, but you do need the right hard and soft skills to be considered for a role in UX design.

    Do you need a degree for UX writing? ›

    UX writing is a complex and technical field, so a grasp of technical knowledge is also a mandatory requirement. Most UX writers have a bachelor's degree in product design, journals, engineering, or a relevant field. While senior UX writers can have masters or doctoral degrees in the same field they work in.

    How much does a UX writer at Google earn? ›

    The estimated total pay for a UX writer at Google is $67 per hour.

    What is the life of a UX writer? ›

    UX writing is all about crafting words to guide a person (user) through an app or a website. Unlike content writers, we can't work alone to get our job done. We work very closely with designers to ensure we're creating a clear and concise user experience across digital products. A designer with words, if you will.

    How many hours a week does a UX writer work? ›

    While there is no set number of hours a week UX designers should be working, it is typically suggested that they put in around 40 -45 hours a week. This leaves plenty of time for design research, user testing, and other related tasks.

    Can authors make 100k a year? ›

    Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a writer.

    The chances of earning over $100k for a writer are actually pretty good because the highest-paid writer positions typically pay at least $102,000 per year. The average annual salary is $65,718 for writer jobs.

    Will writers be in demand in the future? ›

    Job Outlook

    Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 15,200 openings for writers and authors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

    Is content writing still in demand 2023? ›

    Wrapping up, freelance content writing is still a thrilling and lucrative career option in 2023.

    How do I make my first $1000 as a content writer? ›

    How To Strategize Your First $1,000
    1. Introduce yourself (1 sentence)
    2. Tell them you want to write content for them.
    3. Give them 3 examples of articles you can write for them.
    4. Tell them you're available for a quick call any day this week to talk further.
    Jun 9, 2020

    Is 30 too old to become a writer? ›

    That's the answer, no matter how old you are. Writing isn't only a talent; it's a craft you can master with practice just like anything else. No one ever wonders if it's too late to learn how to garden or bake bread. And writing isn't like a sport where you burn out at age 21 because it's so physically demanding.

    Can you still make a living as an author? ›

    Worry not, fair writers, because you can make a living as a writer. It just takes some understanding and, like all careers, dedication and hard work. In this blog, we're going to talk about what it takes to turn writing into your career.

    What art makes the most money? ›

    9 Highest Paying Art Careers
    • #1 Art Director. Median Salary: $94,220. ...
    • #2 Producer & Director. Median Salary: $74,420. ...
    • #3 Landscape Architect. Median Salary: $69,360. ...
    • #4 Video Editor. Median Salary: $63,780. ...
    • #5 Graphic Designer. Median Salary: $52,110. ...
    • #6 Drafter. Median Salary: $56,830. ...
    • #7 Art Curator. ...
    • #8 Interior Designer.

    Is selling art passive income? ›

    Putting your artwork on products like T-shirts, mugs, and bags is a great passive income idea for artists and designers alike. Expect to do some work upfront, but after that, you can sit back and wait for your business to generate revenue.

    Is it possible to make a living selling art? ›

    Painters, illustrators, designers, graphic artists, and even sculptors can earn money by selling high-quality prints or copies of their work. There are two ways how you can turn your art into high-quality posters: Digitize your artwork with the help of professional photography or scanning.

    Is it worth trying to become a writer? ›

    Writing is a fun, dynamic career, and it can be a lucrative field. But writing isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, no matter what personal-finance and side-hustle blogs will tell you. It's hard work, but the freedom and creativity make it worth it.

    Is freelance writing oversaturated? ›

    The market is not too saturated. Yes, there are millions of people who identify as freelancers in the world. There are also millions of jobs for freelance writers of all types.

    Videos

    1. Women In Product: Overcoming Mindset Challenges for Women in Tech
    (Product Gym's PM Program)
    2. I don't even have to open my mouth; this right here shows them what I'm about!
    (The Master of Blue Pill Disaster / Reecie MGTOW)
    3. #CreatorTeaTalk - Episode V: The Tea On The Black Creator Economy - Part II (Audio Recording)
    (Jayde I. Powell)
    4. Using AI to Write a Blog Post??? Writesonic Review 2023
    (The Freelance Writer's Guide)
    5. 5 changes that we need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in 2023
    (Adriele Parker)
    6. Canadian Nanny sponsored Jobs paying more than some office. Apply now!!!
    (Immigrate with Stella Ewaskow )
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

    Last Updated: 01/10/2023

    Views: 6315

    Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

    Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

    Birthday: 1999-09-15

    Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

    Phone: +6838967160603

    Job: Mining Executive

    Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

    Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.