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Job outlook for contract writers in the United States
Are contract writer jobs in demand?
Contract writer job and salary trends over time
Contract writer jobs over time
Contract writer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 829 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 759 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 787 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 777 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 777 | 0.00% |
Average contract writer salary over time
Contract writer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $91,260 | $43.87 | +6.2% |
| 2025 | $85,930 | $41.31 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $84,530 | $40.64 | +0.6% |
| 2023 | $84,054 | $40.41 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $83,265 | $40.03 | +1.6% |
Contract writer jobs by state
Most common states for contract writers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 233 | 34% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 408 | 7% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 467 | 6% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 425 | 6% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 35 | 6% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 227 | 5% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 143 | 5% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 34 | 5% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 29 | 5% |
| 10 | New York | 19,849,399 | 848 | 4% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 362 | 4% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 267 | 4% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 221 | 4% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 197 | 4% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 80 | 4% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 38 | 4% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,300 | 3% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 280 | 3% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 99 | 3% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 76 | 3% |
Contract Writer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of contract writer experts
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of San Francisco
The University of the Arts
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Molloy College
University of Richmond
California State University - Fullerton
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Dallas Baptist University
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Ohio Wesleyan University
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
California University of Pennsylvania
What general advice would you give to a Contract Writer?
Dr. Terry Nugent: Graduates with a BA in English have more opportunities than ever before in the job market. While most think only about the degree as a stepping stone into K12 teaching or graduate school, the degree can also be a stepping stone into the corporate world. Large corporations need people who have experience writing complex texts, applying critical thinking and analytic abilities, and audience awareness when communicating with stakeholders at all levels of their industry. Industries that hire English majors include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, medical institutions, journalism, publishing, and entertainment. Basically, I would encourage a senior or new graduate to think outside the box—hone in on the industry you think you would be most interested in, think about the kind of work environment you are best suited for, and then look for entry-level positions with companies in that industry.
What general advice would you give to a Contract Writer?
Laura Wilson: Writing and editing will always be important and prevalent. Clear communication is increasingly important. Encourage writers to work WITH AI by learning how to use the software and edit the output. Encourage exploration of certificates to make them more marketable.
What will help Contract Writers increase their earning potential?
Dean Rader: There is an interesting study I saw recently that shows how humanities majors tend to start out with a lower beginning salary than most other fields. However, in five years, their salaries and their job satisfaction are higher than those from many other disciplines. English majors who can do another thing, who minor in marketing or who can do coding or Web design often have an easier time landing that first job. But, I also often recommend a graduate degree. That may sound counterintuitive given the reports out there about how college and graduate school admissions are plummeting; however, if fewer people are going to graduate school--especially in the humanities--there could very well be a deficit of people in the workforce with advanced training. If you can get an MBA or a JD or a master's without going into too much debt, research shows it pays off down the road.
What will help Contract Writers increase their earning potential?
Michael Pennell: Gain experience while in college, through internships, coursework, service, etc. Find your niche and differentiate yourself from others in the field. Consider how a specific minor or certificate may give you an edge. For example, a certificate or minor in professional and technical writing can enhance a candidate's appeal to employers, as well as maximize salary potential. Adding an internship and other 'real world' experience on top of that minor or certificate further maximizes one's earning potential. Develop a strong portfolio! Finally, networking may also maximize salary potential—do people know you and do they see you as an asset for their company or organization? Much of this advice applies equally to those pursuing freelance and contract work, as well.
Liam Callanan
professor, EnglishUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
English Language And Literature
What Contract Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Liam Callanan: Writing, writing, writing. And in whole sentences. Not like these. Communication will be key in every field, and people who are trained to be critical thinkers, who practice good listening, who write clearly, concisely, and thoughtfully, will be highly valued.
What will help Contract Writers increase their earning potential?
Katherine Kim Ph.D: -I think it depends on what field you are discussing, as 'English' doesn't necessarily need to be seen as a field (unless you are speaking of teaching or studying English language or literature). However, I can say that the great thing about an English degree is that it can be beneficial for people to have in a variety of fields. In fact, for quite a few years now, people in fields like business have been wanting new hires with better communication, writing, interpersonal interaction, and close analysis skills, as well as mental flexibility, than they have been seeing. These are all skills that can be practiced and honed through being an English major! Sometimes people think of English degrees as useful only if someone is going to teach English, but that is definitely not the case!
Justin Wigard
Postdoctoral Research FellowUniversity of Richmond
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What Contract Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Justin Wigard: Critical textual analysis is key. With a degree in writing, you’ll be able to parse multiple forms of writing effectively: grants, data reports, creative works, and more! You’ll be prepared to work with anything that conveys information through written form (digitally, verbally, even visually). Digital writing, rhetoric, and publishing is also going to become increasingly prevalent as our world becomes more digitally connected. So, learning the ins and outs of writing is great, but you will become even more proficient if you have a little bit of experience working with digital projects. Programming, data science, basic web design, or proficiency with digital publishing suites will give you more understanding of how to write and create in a technologically-mediated world.
What Contract Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Irena Praitis: English majors are excellent communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Communication skills are highly sought as are skills for people working together. Graduates should emphasize their communication and critical thinking skills, emphasizing also creative thinking and working with and understanding others.
Dr. Arthur Garrison LP.D.
ProfessorKutztown University of Pennsylvania
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What Contract Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Arthur Garrison LP.D.: Don’t chase salary. Seek a job that will point you in the direction you want to go. Your first job is not your last. You have your whole life ahead of you. You don’t need to have all the answers to your life’s plans. You still have time to learn what you want in life and what you can achieve.
What will help Contract Writers increase their earning potential?
Chance Gamble: More important? Confidence. When I graduated, I walked straight into a field of business I knew nothing about. I was later hired as a professional private tutor by a company that charged our clients $150 for an hour of my time. I believe that is because they saw I was confident that I could do whatever was asked of me. By confidence, I don't mean arrogance. Confidence is that peace that comes from knowing who you are, what you have accomplished, and how hard you will work to overcome future challenges. It is cultivated by a quality education, and it's authentic. In a meta-world of virtual realities where we can't trust the validity of the photos or videos we see, genuine, solid people will only increase in necessity and value. More prevalent? Creativity. Digital humanities is an exciting branch of academia exploring literature, composition, and rhetoric through digital mediums, and English majors are increasingly pushed to consider their interests through multiple modalities. As they move into the workforce, they will bring a blend of technological expertise and literary acumen that will be an explosive, distinct creativity in a world inundated by soulless AI generations.
What will help Contract Writers increase their earning potential?
Antonio Byrd PhD (he/they): In my experience teaching professional and technical communication, which involves talking to a lot of professionals in different industries, I find that project management and collaboration are the most important skills.
What general advice would you give to a Contract Writer?
Anna Mae Duane: The idea that English majors are not in demand is a myth—don’t harm your own chances by buying into it! There are numerous studies—and countless employer testimonies—that indicate how valuable your skills as an English major are. English majors consistently find work in a variety of fields, and perhaps even more important, alumni of English departments report that they find their jobs and lives rewarding. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 'what sets two equally qualified job candidates apart can be as simple as who has the better communication skills.' You are, in many ways, ahead of the game in comparison to others in your cohort. I’d also urge English majors to think broadly about their career options. Yes, fields like journalism, publishing and advertising all rely on the skills developed in English departments. But other employers, particularly in tech companies, have realized how valuable English majors can be to their organization. As a recent report in Fortune indicates, top executives in AI at IBM and elsewhere realize that having expertise in the Humanities is an essential component for success in their field.
What general advice would you give to a Contract Writer?
Sarah Graves Ph.D.: Many wrongly assume that a degree in English is a dead end. But that's only because the career potential isn't as immediately obvious as something like, say, a degree in computer science or accounting. The truth is that English majors can do almost anything. Of course, they can become teachers or enter writing-related fields, such as journalism, editing, or publishing. But tons of CEOs are English majors, as are those in business-related fields, such as marketing, brand strategy, and social media management. Even most tech companies hire English majors. That's because computer science majors might be experts in coding, but English majors excel at humanizing the end product, like making chatbots sound more human. In fact, the areas where English majors excel are those most in-demand by employers: communication, creativity, critical thinking, and empathy.
Aaron DeRosa Ph.D.
Associate Professor, 20th/21st C. American LiteratureCalifornia State Polytechnic University, Pomona
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Contract Writers?
Aaron DeRosa Ph.D.: Many of our students work and go to school at the same time, so the pandemic's impact is being lived right now. The pandemic only exacerbates problems already embedded in the labor market: a move toward contingent labor and freelance work. This generation of graduates will be asked to continue jumping from job to job, never allowed to settle into a "career." The flip side is that the precarity of these jobs and their ability to move through different work environments will make them more versatile critical thinkers and more compassionate people.
What technical skills for a Contract Writer stand out to employers?
Aaron DeRosa Ph.D.: English majors find homes in every major industry because they are trained to think about the precision of language and its impact, to critically think through problems and imagine the implications of the projects they work on, and to conduct sound research while being critical of the material they encounter. They do this whether the field is technical writing, advertising, law, journalism, publishing, teaching, retail, or whatever new positions arise in the years to come.
What type of skills will young Contract Writers need?
Dr. Christina Fisanick: College graduates in 2021 and beyond, need all of the skills that English programs have to offer: critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, and flexibility. New hires need to be able to adapt to workplace changes quickly and with aplomb, which requires critical thinking and problem solving and the ability to communicate those solutions to a diverse audience clearly and effectively. Those skills are refined and practiced regularly in English programs.