Writers and Authors
Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.
Is writers and authors a good career?
It scores 19/100 and ranks #325 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($76,910 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What writers and authors earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. writers and authors earn between $58,230 and $101,950 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live writers and authors jobs
Associate Music Editor, South Korea (Contract)
How to become a writers and author
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Writers and authors typically need a bachelor's degree in English or a related field, such as communications or journalism.
Training
Writers and authors typically gain writing experience through on-the-job training. They may practice and work with more experienced writers and editors before their writing is ready for publication.
Writers may need formal training or experience related to a particular topic that they want to write about.
Advancement
Writers and authors can get a start by putting their name on their work when writing for small businesses, local newspapers, advertising agencies, and nonprofit organizations. However, opportunities for advancement within these organizations may be limited.
Writers and authors may advance their careers by building a reputation, taking on complex writing assignments, and getting published in prestigious markets and publications. Having published work that has been well received and consistently meeting deadlines are important for advancement.
Many editors begin work as writers. Those who are particularly skilled at identifying stories, correcting writing style, and interacting with writers may be interested in editing jobs.
Important qualities
Adaptability. Writers and authors need to be able to adapt to updates in software platforms and programs, including various content management systems (CMS).
Creativity. Writers and authors must be able to develop interesting plots, characters, or ideas for new stories.
Critical-thinking skills. Writers and authors must be adept at understanding new concepts that they convey through writing.
Determination. Writers and authors must have drive and persevere to meet deadlines.
Persuasion. Writers, especially those in advertising, must be able to convince others to feel a certain way about a good or service.
Social perceptiveness. Writers and authors must understand how readers react to ideas to connect with their audience.
Writing skills. Writers and authors must be able to write clearly and effectively to convey feeling and emotion and to communicate with readers.
Related occupations
How much do writers and authors make?
The national median wage is $76,910 a year, with the middle half earning between $58,230 and $101,950 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is writers and authors a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 19 of 100 and ranks #325 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.6% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a writers and author?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do writers and authors earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($129,300). Local pay for every state and metro is below.