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Contributing writer vs freelance copywriter

The differences between contributing writers and freelance copywriters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a contributing writer and a freelance copywriter. Additionally, a freelance copywriter has an average salary of $69,978, which is higher than the $51,372 average annual salary of a contributing writer.

The top three skills for a contributing writer include lifestyle, web content and SEO. The most important skills for a freelance copywriter are web content, blog posts, and copywriting.

Contributing writer vs freelance copywriter overview

Contributing WriterFreelance Copywriter
Yearly salary$51,372$69,978
Hourly rate$24.70$33.64
Growth rate6%4%
Number of jobs10,2922,981
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age4642
Years of experience22

What does a contributing writer do?

A contributing writer is responsible for contributing content to a publication or a specific client, typically on a freelance basis. Contributing writers must have a strong command of their language and extensive understanding of the topics assigned to them. They should be keen on details, perfecting grammar usage with proper writing elements. A contributing writer performs in-depth research to support content, ensuring the accuracy of information to release a high-quality article and serve a good read for the target audience. Contributing writers must have excellent time-management and communication skills, especially on meeting deadlines and doing revisions.

What does a freelance copywriter do?

A Freelance Copywriter generates the words, slogans, and audio scripts that accompany advertising visuals. They work as an independent contractor, either on their own, or through a recruitment agency.

Contributing writer vs freelance copywriter salary

Contributing writers and freelance copywriters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Contributing WriterFreelance Copywriter
Average salary$51,372$69,978
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $75,000Between $46,000 And $105,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between contributing writer and freelance copywriter education

There are a few differences between a contributing writer and a freelance copywriter in terms of educational background:

Contributing WriterFreelance Copywriter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorJournalismEnglish
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Contributing writer vs freelance copywriter demographics

Here are the differences between contributing writers' and freelance copywriters' demographics:

Contributing WriterFreelance Copywriter
Average age4642
Gender ratioMale, 44.6% Female, 55.4%Male, 46.3% Female, 53.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.9% White, 75.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%16%

Differences between contributing writer and freelance copywriter duties and responsibilities

Contributing writer example responsibilities.

  • Collaborate with overseas team and manage documents using SharePoint to conceptualize and generate new marketing content.
  • Pitch, write and photograph audience-aligned content, which are centered on the European-American luxury lifestyle in the greater Chicago area
  • Create SharePoint site for marketing and communications that include project tracking, document governance and collaboration space.

Freelance copywriter example responsibilities.

  • Manage proposal process from RFP (request for proposal) receipt to writing and editing various contributions to final RFP submission.
  • Provide copywriting services to clients using proven direct response marketing elements to optimize conversions.
  • Experience with brand development, copywriting, advertising, and integrate social media marketing communications.
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions to cultivate creative solutions to advertising opportunities with uniquely clever messages.
  • Provide career branding services, including resume, LinkedIn, and professional biography writing services.
  • Develop and administer the company's RFP database; greatly streamline the RFP process.
  • Show more

Contributing writer vs freelance copywriter skills

Common contributing writer skills
  • Lifestyle, 13%
  • Web Content, 7%
  • SEO, 6%
  • Feature Stories, 6%
  • Conduct Interviews, 5%
  • Blog Posts, 5%
Common freelance copywriter skills
  • Web Content, 22%
  • Blog Posts, 8%
  • Copywriting, 7%
  • Creative Concepts, 6%
  • Brainstorm, 5%
  • Email Campaigns, 5%

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