How Much Does a Content Writer Make? (2025)
Content writers create, proofread, and edit content for print, web, mobile, video, and social media posts. They collaborate with creative teams to craft messages that align with industry trends, company goals, and target audiences.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for content writers is projected to grow by 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 15,100 job openings each year. This shows the continued demand for skilled writers across industries.
But how much do content writers earn? Based on Salary.com reports, the average content writer salary in the U.S. is $60,090 per year as of March 2025.
In this salary guide, explore content writer salaries, the highest-paying cities, and answers to common questions about the job title.
What is the Average Content Writer’s Salary
As of March 2025, the average content writer salary in the United States is $60,090 per year or $29 per hour. The salary range for content writers is between $47,481 and $75,947, with most earnings of $53,490 to $68,390 per year.
2025 Average Salary for Content Writers: $60,090 per year ($29 per hour)
A content writer reported an average monthly salary of $5,008, while the average weekly pay is $1,156. Moreover, the average content writer salary per hour is $29, according to the salary report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $23 | $913 | $3,957 | $47,481 |
| 25th Percentile | $26 | $1,029 | $4,458 | $53,490 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $29 | $1,156 | $5,008 | $60,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $33 | $1,315 | $5,699 | $68,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $37 | $1,461 | $6,329 | $75,947 |
Apart from base pay, content writers may receive average additional cash compensation, contributing to their total compensation package. The average total compensation of a content writer is $88,852 per year.
Content Writer Salaries State by State
Content writer salaries vary across U.S. states due to several factors such as minimum wage, job demand, location, and cost of living.
The table below shows that the states with the lowest pay for content writers are Mississippi ($53,590), South Dakota ($53,990), and West Virginia ($54,090).
Meanwhile, the highest average salaries for content writers are found in the District of Columbia ($66,890), California ($66,290), and New Jersey ($65,790).
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $65,390 |
| Alabama | $55,190 |
| Arkansas | $54,690 |
| Arizona | $58,490 |
| California | $66,290 |
| Colorado | $61,290 |
| Connecticut | $64,490 |
| District of Columbia | $66,890 |
| Delaware | $60,990 |
| Florida | $57,090 |
| Georgia | $58,090 |
| Hawaii | $62,790 |
| Iowa | $57,490 |
| Idaho | $56,090 |
| Illinois | $61,490 |
| Indiana | $58,290 |
| Kansas | $57,190 |
| Kentucky | $56,490 |
| Louisiana | $57,090 |
| Massachusetts | $65,390 |
| Maryland | $61,890 |
| Maine | $58,490 |
| Michigan | $59,290 |
| Minnesota | $61,490 |
| Missouri | $57,290 |
| Mississippi | $53,590 |
| Montana | $56,090 |
| North Carolina | $57,690 |
| North Dakota | $59,490 |
| Nebraska | $56,590 |
| New Hampshire | $61,090 |
| New Jersey | $65,790 |
| New Mexico | $55,390 |
| Nevada | $60,290 |
| New York | $63,990 |
| Ohio | $58,790 |
| Oklahoma | $55,590 |
| Oregon | $60,990 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,990 |
| Rhode Island | $62,690 |
| South Carolina | $56,690 |
| South Dakota | $53,990 |
| Tennessee | $55,590 |
| Texas | $58,790 |
| Utah | $57,090 |
| Virginia | $60,290 |
| Vermont | $58,890 |
| Washington | $64,790 |
| Wisconsin | $59,390 |
| West Virginia | $54,090 |
| Wyoming | $57,590 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Content Writers?
Content writer salaries also vary by city due to variations in cost of living, local demand for specific occupations, and industry rates in urban areas.
For example, California cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland offer a high average pay for content writers, with $75,390, $75,090, and $73,290, respectively.
| Cities | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $75,390 |
| San Francisco, California | $75,090 |
| Oakland, California | $73,290 |
| New York, New York | $70,190 |
| Queens Village, New York | $69,690 |
| Paramus, New York | $69,190 |
How Does Experience Affect Content Writer Salaries?
The salary of content writers increases with experience. According to a Salary.com report, entry-level content writers earn an average of $58,805 per year, while an experienced content writer with over 8 years of experience earns an average of $62,015 per year.
| Level | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Content Writer | $58,805 |
| Intermediate Level Content Writer | $59,538 |
| Senior Level Content Writer | $61,396 |
| Specialist Level Content Writer | $61,768 |
| Expert Level Content Writer | $62,015 |
How to Increase Salary as a Content Writer?
Content writers typically need a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or journalism and 0 to 2 years of experience for a salaried role. Their salary can grow with career advancement and in-demand skills.
Content Writer Advancements
- Build a strong portfolio: Employers expect a strong portfolio with diverse samples, showcasing a strong understanding of writing styles and audience engagement. Published work in reputable outlets boosts credibility and job opportunities.
- Promotion: Writers can move up to roles like content strategist, senior content writer, or editorial manager. Higher positions, such as content director, offer better salaries and leadership opportunities. According to reports, a content director often earns an average salary of $157,463 per year.
- Specialization: Focusing on high-paying niches like finance, technology, healthcare, or legal writing increases earnings. Certifications in SEO, content marketing, or copywriting add value and attract premium clients.
- Education: Advanced courses in digital marketing, journalism, or business communication help writers gain skills for higher-paying roles and leadership positions.
Content Writer Skills
Content writers with certain in-demand skills can increase their salaries. According to the Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, a content writer with marketing communications skills can earn a 14.71% salary increase, followed by presentation software skills with a 14.45% increase.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Communications | 4.48% | +14.71% |
| Presentation Software | 5.03% | +14.45% |
| Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | 7.46% | +14.43% |
| Advertising | 12.98% | +13.92% |
| Proofreading | 10.92% | +12.92% |
| Public Relations | 2.78% | +10.35% |
What are the FAQs About Content Writer Salaries?
Here are some common questions about content writer salary:
Do content writers make good money?
It depends. The income content writers varies significantly, influenced by factors like experience, specialization, and employment type (freelance vs. in-house). According to Salary.com report, the salary range for content writers is between $47,481 and $75,947.
Is content writer a good career?
Yes, content writing can be a good career, especially in today's digital age. The demand for quality online content is steadily increasing, with BLS projecting writer employment to grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033.
What does a content writer do?
A content writer creates error-free content for websites, blogs, social media, and marketing campaigns. They research topics, develop content strategies, and craft engaging and informative text to increase brand awareness across online platforms. They also optimize content for search engines (SEO) to enhance visibility and reach.
