Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for designer/writers in the United States
Are designer/writer jobs in demand?
Designer/writer job and salary trends over time
Designer/writer jobs over time
Designer/writer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 150 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 154 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 159 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 158 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 157 | 0.00% |
Average designer/writer salary over time
Designer/writer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $121,336 | $58.33 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $118,411 | $56.93 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $116,785 | $56.15 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $115,290 | $55.43 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $113,534 | $54.58 | --0.6% |
Designer/writer jobs by state
Most common states for designer/writers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 320 | 46% |
| 2 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 518 | 13% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 871 | 12% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 852 | 12% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 923 | 11% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 603 | 10% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 291 | 9% |
| 8 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,237 | 8% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 802 | 8% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 469 | 8% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 423 | 8% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 108 | 8% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 85 | 8% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 48 | 8% |
| 15 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,439 | 7% |
| 16 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 865 | 7% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 68 | 7% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 666 | 6% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 517 | 6% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 37 | 6% |
Most common cities for designer/writers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 1 | 0% | $133,390 |
Designer/Writer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of designer/writer experts
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
SUNY College at Oswego
Utah State University
Fairfield University
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
University of San Francisco
The University of the Arts
Ursinus College
Ohio Wesleyan University
Tusculum University
Berry College
Kean University
Indiana University Northwest
University of South Florida
DePaul University
Bucknell University
University of San Francisco
Southern Utah University
Azusa Pacific University
What general advice would you give to a Designer/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 general advice would you give to a Designer/Writer?
Soma Frazier: AI can do a lot of things writers do, and quickly. It's mastered the hard skills of writing, but it's not yet proficient in the soft skills: in short, it's not human. So, I think soft skills like applying context, nuance and audience awareness to the tone of written work will become evermore crucial.
What Designer/Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Soma Frazier: Take on a variety of jobs. For instance, while teaching and writing creative works, I was also freelancing and writing grants. In doing so, I developed multiple income sources as well as a broad skill base that ultimately equipped me to secure higher-paying opportunities. Beyond that, each job shaped my creative writing: crafting pithy articles taught me to revise down, while developing grant proposals taught me to make a specific mission or topic feel relevant to the everyday reader. You may hit the jackpot and land your dream career straight out of school. If you're like the rest of us, though, there will be a period of uncertainty in which you're building your portfolio and finding your stride. That's the perfect time to take a note from improv comedians and be receptive to opportunities and ideas by saying 'Yes.'
What will help Designer/Writers increase their earning potential?
Soma Frazier: Leverage social media and your network to find a mentor. Mine had authored a bestselling book and was thriving as a freelance brand and content strategist for clients including Hershey and E&J; Gallo Winery. I truly respected her experience, so I treated for coffee and let her know I wanted to be her when I grew up! She laughed, offered advice, and eventually hired me to write for her food blog—which came with snazzy perks like wine and chocolate. I ended up taking on her overflow. Though I wound up in higher education rather than content strategy, those years taught me to adopt a specific style and tone, and to cut a 500-word piece to 150 words without sacrificing anything essential. I still apply what I learned from my mentor to my own career and writing—and it helped shape my debut novel, which sold to a Big 5 publisher.
What general advice would you give to a Designer/Writer?
Shane Graham: Remember the skills you honed as an English major: pay close attention to detail, ground your thinking in evidence, find reliable sources of information, and put things in their larger context. All of these skills will serve you well in whatever job you pursue.
Rachel Robinson-Zetzer PhD
Assistant Professor of the Practice and Assistant Director of Core WritingFairfield University
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What general advice would you give to a Designer/Writer?
Rachel Robinson-Zetzer PhD: People are scared of the blank page. Too often, they think that what they write needs to be perfect in its first iteration; however, that’s a myth and a romantic notion of the lone, solitary writer. In fact, much writing happens in collaboration with others, and people are either drawn to that environment, or they aren’t. Once people realize that writing is malleable, meaning it can be changed and revised again and again, that desire to seek perfection lessens, and Writers are more willing to kill their darlings.
What Designer/Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Allison Rittmayer: Don't undercut your skills and experience. You are likely qualified for more jobs than you think you are. You need to promote your experience writing in different genres and across media. Likewise, don't be afraid to take on new projects in unfamiliar formats or unfamiliar roles. That is the key to continual growth.
What Designer/Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dean Rader: Well, writing, reading, and communication skills are always going to be vital. AI won't change that. In fact, the very things AI can't do yet is be human. And no major trains people better to interact with humans than English. Right now, video game manufacturers need writers, tech companies need editors, Websites need copywriters. But, every field can use an English major. Every field needs people with vision and ideas. The world needs people with clarity, who can articulate ideas, and who can make connections. That defines an English major.
What will help Designer/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 Designer/Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Pennell: Adaptability and flexibility. The type of writing, the genres of writing, the styles of writing, and the technologies around writing may/will change, so be adaptable. Learn how to learn, especially on the fly. Your college instructors can't teach you every type or genre of writing you may encounter in your career; so, develop skills in learning new genres of writing. Ask yourself, what worked in the past that will work as I learn this new type/style of writing. Adapting to different audiences and formats is key. The ability to research and in turn translate that research to your audience, even if it involves SEO and writing for the web with a less concrete audience or for search engines. In this sense, the skill of creating transferrable content is key. Also, storytelling is very important in many writing-based careers—how to tell a story. Another skill is differentiating what you can offer that AI can't or where does AI complement your work and writing? Avoiding or ignoring AI is not wise.
Jay Shelat
Ursinus College
English Language And Literature
What will help Designer/Writers increase their earning potential?
Jay Shelat: Learn to negotiate for a higher salary!
What general advice would you give to a Designer/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 Designer/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.
Vicky Johnson Bós
Associate Professor of EnglishTusculum University
English Language And Literature
What will help Designer/Writers increase their earning potential?
Vicky Johnson Bós: Have practical experience in that field through a summer job, internship, or access to expertise. Getting a Master's Degree or even a PhD can greatly influence salary potential. Be aware that you may have to take a 'starting' job at less of a good salary to get practical experience to make the leap to a better paying job.
Whitney Adams
Visiting Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and WritingBerry College
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What Designer/Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Whitney Adams: 1. Demand for content: With the rise of digital marketing, social media, and online
publications, there is a high demand for content creators and writers. Companies need
quality written content to attract and engage their audience.
2. Remote work opportunities: Writing is a flexible profession that can often be done
remotely. This allows writers to work from anywhere in the world, making it a great
profession for those who value freedom and flexibility.
3. Growth potential: As a writer, there are many opportunities for growth and
advancement. Writers can specialize in different niches, such as copywriting, technical
writing, or content marketing, and can continue to develop their skills and expertise over
time.
4. Passive income potential: Writers can also generate passive income through
avenues such as self-publishing books, creating online courses, or starting a blog. This
allows writers to earn money even when they are not actively working.
5. Creative fulfillment: For many people, writing is a fulfilling and rewarding profession
that allows them to express their creativity and share their ideas with others. Writing can
be a way to inspire, educate, and connect with others on a deeper level.
Overall, writing is a good profession to enter now because of the high demand for
content, remote work opportunities, growth potential, passive income potential, and
creative fulfillment it can provide.
What do people dislike about being a writer?
1. Writer's block: Writer's block is a common challenge that many writers face,
where they struggle to come up with new ideas or find inspiration.
2. Criticism and rejection: Writing can be a vulnerable and subjective art form, and
writers may face criticism or rejection from publishers, readers, or reviewers.
3. Isolation: Writing can be a solitary pursuit, and some writers may find the
isolation challenging.
4. Inconsistency: Writing can often be unpredictable in terms of income and
success, with some writers facing financial
What Designer/Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Frank Argote-Freyre: It is important to take part in a variety of internships prior to entering the workplace. You need to invest in yourself. Many of these internships might provide no pay or low pay but they are essential to gaining experience. This will allow a candidate to begin their career search with experience in the field. This makes them a more valuable asset to an employer. Language acquisition is also important. US society is diverse so the ability to reach more diverse language communities is a big plus.
Brian O'Camb Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair in EnglishIndiana University Northwest
English Department
What experience really stands out on Designer/Writer resumes?
Brian O'Camb Ph.D.: Honestly, I am not qualified to respond to that question because I don't hire recent graduates, so I don't see resumes from them. However, as a professor, I recommend that all my students get as much writing experience as possible, ideally through an internship, so they can lean on that experience in their job materials.
What type of skills will young Designer/Writers need?
Dr. Wilma Davidson: According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), there are 20 skills listed to increase their value in the workplace. Yearly, NACE surveys employers and ranks these skills and, according to their latest survey, the top five skills new graduates should possess are the following:
Problem-solving
Ability to work on a team
Strong work ethic
Analytic/quantitative skill
Written communication skills
For several decades, the ability to write well has appeared near the top of NACE's list of skills valued by employees. And, I suspect, it will remain among the top for decades to come. Writing, so your ideas and plans are understandable and actionable, is the secret sauce of your workplace success. No matter how good your idea is, if you cannot communicate it easily to another, you won't receive the attention and accolades you deserve.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Designer/Writers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Wilma Davidson: All businesses need good writers. You can work remotely as a freelancer or an employee without concern about where your employer is located. Technology makes it easy for an excellent writer to write productively from anywhere. Naturally, if you wish to enter a field like PR or Advertising or Editing/Publishing, you might want to live in a large city where major firms are located. However, right that advice might have been a decade ago, it no longer applies. If you'd like to be a technical writer, there is an advantage to being close to the engineers you may be working with as you write their manuals, but that can be handled-and already is-being handled remotely.
What type of skills will young Designer/Writers need?
Ted Anton: They will need to know how to understand and communicate complex information, often contradictory, in a catchy and understandable way. They will have to read professional data online, in business, medicine, health, you name it and then create a sales or summary pitch for investors. So, reading, writing, communication skills will continue to be important. Math, of course, is a big plus, but up to the advanced algebra level... Statistical skills will be helpful. Overall, employers are seeking curious, adventurous, bold, and creative thinkers and communicators for an ever-changing world.
Sarah Bell
Senior Associate Director, CounselingBucknell University
Center for Career Advancement
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Designer/Writers to find work opportunities?
Sarah Bell: Majors in English successfully pursue work in all types of industries and career fields. Their skills in writing, critical thinking, verbal communication, analysis, working in groups, editing, and reading/research makes them quite marketable in a variety of occupations. There are some locations that are more known for certain industries, i.e., upper West Coast for technology, NYC metro area for finance, I-95 corridor for pharmaceuticals and biotech, but many corporations hire in locations all over the country. And with the pandemic, more employers have remote opportunities that don't require a move, at least not until the time we might move out of remote work when possible. We tell our students to talk to professionals in the industries in which they are interested to learn what areas are growing right now and what are not. For example, video and sharing software is growing, food manufacturing, shipping, and sales are growing, certain sectors of healthcare and medical research are growing, etc.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Designer/Writers?
Edith Borbon: I don't think so. The jobs will still be there, whether in-person or otherwise. Much of regular face-to-face teaching and interpreting has transitioned online. These fields will go back to face-to-face modality when conditions become safe once again. Of course, online learning has already been in existence, and so have the phone and video interpreting. And translation can always be done in the office or remotely.
Carlos Bertoglio
Assistant Professor, SpanishSouthern Utah University
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Designer/Writers?
Carlos Bertoglio: Every challenge brings opportunities, so I do believe this pandemic has forced us out of our comfort zones and has shown us new opportunities for professional growth and diversification. Those who can take advantage of these strange and confusing times will benefit the most. Another impact of the pandemic that graduate programs and universities in the US might start to see is the decreasing diversity of their students due to travel restrictions, immigration hurdles, and better opportunities in other countries. This will undoubtedly affect the competitiveness of said programs and institutions.
What general advice would you give to a Designer/Writer?
Emily Griesinger Ph.D.: I would say "don't give up" because your literacy gifts are especially needed right now. Those who have done excellent critical thinking and writing as English majors can make persuasive arguments and discern the credibility of arguments being consumed by others, who may not be so discerning. Based on years of reading and interpreting great literature, you can "read" characters, why people do what they do, and the capacity to imagine the joys and sorrows of other human beings. So, my general advice would be to consider how to market such skills in creative ways for the common good.