Post job

What is a copy writer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Catherine Wilbur,
Gayle Rogers

Copywriters are responsible for producing clear text for different advertising channels such as catalogs, print ads, and websites. Your responsibility includes generating interest in written content, researching keywords, and proofreading work for quality and accuracy. As a copywriter, you are expected to create error-free content and write clearly for a website that will represent the voice of a company.

Primarily, your work must reflect satisfaction from your clients; therefore, you must meet with clients to understand their target audience, brand voice, and the message they want to pass across. By knowing the mind of your client, you will propose copy content to engage your client and carry out projects once they are approved. You are also in charge of translating technical information and creative direction and turning them into compelling copy content. For the efficiency of your work, you must work closely with marketing departments and PR to discuss and develop various marketing materials for the profitability of your work and also meet your client's expectations.

As a copywriter, you must display exceptional communication skills, understand negotiation, organizational skills, skills in social media writing, and proficiency in basic office software. An average of $57,561 is what a copywriter earns annually. The education criteria for a copywriter is a bachelor's degree in Communication, Marketing, or other related disciplines.

What general advice would you give to a copy writer?

Catherine Wilbur

English Professor, Website

The best way to maximize salary earnings is to complete the highest level of education in your chosen field. The average salary for someone with a bachelor's degree in English is around $59,124 per year, while someone with a master's degree in English can expect to earn around $69,732 per year.
ScoreCopy WriterUS Average
Salary
5.1

Avg. Salary $65,162

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.2

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.36%

Asian 4.98%

Black or African American 6.03%

Hispanic or Latino 7.74%

Unknown 5.61%

White 75.28%

Gender

female 56.62%

male 43.38%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
6.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Copy writer career paths

Key steps to become a copy writer

  1. Explore copy writer education requirements

    Most common copy writer degrees

    Bachelor's

    79.5 %

    Master's

    8.2 %

    Associate

    7.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific copy writer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Web Content14.28%
    WordPress6.62%
    Digital Marketing6.32%
    Proofreading6.24%
    Web Copy6.24%
  3. Complete relevant copy writer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New copy writers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a copy writer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real copy writer resumes.
  4. Research copy writer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage editorial content of monthly print newsletter for health care professionals.
    • Ensure content relevance for SEO.
    • Proofread and edit content submit by department heads.
    • Demonstrate superior editing, proofreading, revising, and reasearch skills.
  5. Prepare your copy writer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your copy writer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a copy writer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable copy writer resume templates

    Build a professional copy writer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your copy writer resume.
    Copy Writer Resume
    Copy Writer Resume
    Copy Writer Resume
    Copy Writer Resume
    Copy Writer Resume
    Copy Writer Resume
    Copy Writer Resume
    Copy Writer Resume
    Copy Writer Resume
  6. Apply for copy writer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a copy writer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first copy writer job

Zippi

Are you a copy writer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average copy writer salary

The average copy writer salary in the United States is $65,162 per year or $31 per hour. Copy writer salaries range between $41,000 and $101,000 per year.

Average copy writer salary
$65,162 Yearly
$31.33 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do copy writers rate their job?

Working as a copy writer? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Copy writer FAQs

Search for copy writer jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs