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Job outlook for free lance writers in the United States
Are free lance writer jobs in demand?
Free lance writer job and salary trends over time
Free lance writer jobs over time
Free lance writer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 313 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 322 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 334 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 331 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 329 | 0.00% |
Average free lance writer salary over time
Free lance writer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $60,890 | $29.27 | +2.5% |
| 2025 | $59,421 | $28.57 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $58,606 | $28.18 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $57,855 | $27.82 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $56,974 | $27.39 | --0.6% |
Free lance writer jobs by state
Most common states for free lance writers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 135 | 19% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 275 | 5% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 259 | 4% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 21 | 4% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 262 | 3% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 132 | 3% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 82 | 3% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 25 | 3% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 19 | 3% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 759 | 2% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 222 | 2% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 165 | 2% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 159 | 2% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 147 | 2% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 110 | 2% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 105 | 2% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 21 | 2% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 20 | 2% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 18 | 2% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 16 | 2% |
Free Lance Writer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of free lance writer experts
Fairfield University
University of San Francisco
The University of the Arts
Ursinus College
Saint Anselm College
Metropolitan State University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Manhattan College
Berry College
Kean University
Indiana University Northwest
University of South Florida
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bates College
Bucknell University
University of Oregon
University of San Francisco
Southern Utah University
Azusa Pacific University
Rachel Robinson-Zetzer PhD
Assistant Professor of the Practice and Assistant Director of Core WritingFairfield University
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What will help Free Lance Writers increase their earning potential?
Rachel Robinson-Zetzer PhD: On a day-to-day basis, a Writer really works on their bread and butter—their writing process. This can mean actually drafting and outlining texts, brainstorming, taking walks to get ideas flowing, you name it! The writing process is unique to every Writer, and because of that, there is really now one answer to the question How does a Writer spend their day? Instead, it’s best to think of the time a Writer has devoted to their craft as sacred, whether that be drafting pages out long-hand or chatting with friends over drinks about their ideas. Daily, Writers need to read. Great Writers are great readers.
What will help Free Lance 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 Free Lance 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.
Prof. Laura Betz PhD
Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in EnglishWhat Free Lance Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Laura Betz PhD: Any graduate beginning a career should feel very confident in the skills of critical thinking, writing, and public speaking that the English major has provided, and should be bold in putting those skills to work in many different professional contexts.
Jay Shelat
Ursinus College
English Language And Literature
What Free Lance Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jay Shelat: The skills that will be important in the next three to five years are literacy, writing, and analysis. These are helpful skills for whichever job you might have.
What will help Free Lance Writers increase their earning potential?
Jay Shelat: Learn to negotiate for a higher salary!
Dr. Joshua Potter
Assistant Professor of PracticeSaint Anselm College
English Language And Literature
What will help Free Lance Writers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Joshua Potter: Follow your passion, use your intuition, and be creative. A humanistic education, especially within the discipline of English, prepares you to be a clear communicator, critical thinker, empathic builder of relationships, and creative wayfinder through shifting cultural landscapes. It is imperative to stay nimble, assert oneself into social institutions and fields of work that stoke one’s inspiration, and be prepared to help build fields and institutions that don’t yet exist.
Dr. Belo Cipriani
Metropolitan State University
Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities
What general advice would you give to a Free Lance Writer?
Dr. Belo Cipriani: When employers are looking to hire a writer or content creator they review work samples. As a result, I encourage my students to try to secure more than one internship while in our program. Likewise, I recommend that they consider doing volunteer work with a local nonprofit, as this will help them grow their portfolio of writing credits. I’ve been teaching for 15 years and I have seen many students cut their job search in half and receive higher starting pay by dedicating time to build long lists of projects they can show to potential employers.
What general advice would you give to a Free Lance 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.
Dr. Heidi Laudien Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorManhattan College
English Language And Literature
What will help Free Lance Writers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Heidi Laudien Ph.D.: I do not feel equipped to give informed advice on what skills might be necessary in the next 3-5 years.
Whitney Adams
Visiting Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and WritingBerry College
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What Free Lance 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 Free Lance 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 Free Lance 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 Free Lance 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 Free Lance 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Free Lance Writers to find work opportunities?
Joanne Diaz Ph.D.: Quite often, people assume that teaching is the only professional path available to students who major in English. While we are delighted when English majors pursue careers in education, our graduates go on to a wide range of careers in law, journalism, public relations, marketing, information technology, library science, public policy, museum curation, and publishing.
English, like all of the humanities disciplines (Philosophy, Religion, History, and Classics), prepares students to read, write, listen, and persuade well; in addition, these disciplines help students to create habits of mind. These are the graduates who are flexible, resilient, and adaptable. Those last three descriptors are incredibly important for students who are entering the workforce in the twenty-first century.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Free Lance Writers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Daniel Sanford: What I've seen in college students during this period of intense upheaval is a stronger desire than ever to engage with the world in positive ways. More than ever, the world needs people to work to effect positive change. That happens in fields that are organized around the idea of impacting society and nature in positive ways (e.g., medicine, social advocacy, community organizing, conservation), and those fields are also growing and great places to start a career. But it also happens everywhere, and now more than ever, through writing. The ability to use effective rhetoric (the art of persuasion, built around understanding one's audience) in social media and web writing is incredibly important in engaging with the challenges the world is facing. It's also highly employable!
Sarah Bell
Senior Associate Director, CounselingBucknell University
Center for Career Advancement
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Free Lance Writers?
Sarah Bell: It is hard to know for certain what the impact will be as the pandemic is a new experience; it is not finished, nor are its effects on the economy and employment. In our experience at Bucknell during the most recent downturns in the economy in 2001 and 2008, we saw that the negative effects on our graduate's job prospects did not endure. The graduates from those particular years have shared with us that the job search took longer than expected, and they needed to be more flexible, but they were able to eventually find work.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Free Lance 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.
Cristina Calhoon
Senior Career Instructor, Undergraduate AdvisorUniversity of Oregon
Department of Classics
How do you envision technology impacting Free Lance Writers in the next 5 years?
Cristina Calhoon: A great number of primary sources (Latin and Greek texts) as well as philological resources (lexica of Greek and Latin) and data on material resources (Classical Archeology, papyrus texts, and inscriptions) have been and continue to be collected in electronic databases readily accessible online.
The Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (TLG) and Thesaurus Linguae Latinae (TLL), as well as the database for Latin Dictionaries (DLD), exemplify some of the many online resources our students are already familiar with or quickly familiarize themselves with.
Distance learning will increasingly cover an essential part of our future offerings due to health and economic concerns, and our graduate students are encouraged to do some online teaching. Most Classics graduates are as much at home in the digital sphere as they are in the world of texts engraved in stone.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Free Lance 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Free Lance Writers to find work opportunities?
Edith Borbon: The federal government employs linguists and language experts. The military, the State Department, the CIA, the FBI, the NSA, the Defense Language Institute. Silicon Valley companies hire linguists as well to work on translation and localization. There are also translator and interpreter positions available in the city, county, and state governments, and in hospitals, courts, and schools.
With a Master's or a Ph.D., colleges and universities offer career options in teaching and research. And there's the United Nations and the World Bank for both domestic and international assignments.
In the virtual space, the increasing trend towards remote work makes it even more important to have a strong online presence (LinkedIn, websites, posting personal articles or projects online).
Carlos Bertoglio
Assistant Professor, SpanishSouthern Utah University
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Free Lance Writer?
Carlos Bertoglio: I have several pieces of advice for someone beginning their career in this field: 1) Pick your graduate program and the professors you want to work with very carefully. It is essential to have a supportive, like-minded person to make the experience as fruitful and enjoyable as possible. 2) If you don't have a solid background in teaching, take advantage of every opportunity to gain expertise in this area. 3) Have realistic expectations. The job market is saturated, and you will be competing with hundreds of other applicants for one position. This is especially relevant for international students, who will have even fewer alternatives and chances to land a job due to some universities' reticence to sponsor visas. 4) Be humble and collegial and get along with the members of your cohort. This will make your life easier, and most probably, they will be your colleagues in the future, so this will allow you to form a network that might prove very useful for the advancement of your career.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Free Lance 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 Free Lance 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Free Lance Writers?
Emily Griesinger Ph.D.: Graduates in the liberal arts and humanities will be challenged to keep the big questions in the foreground as they navigate a post-pandemic world. What matters? Who is my neighbor, and why should I care if he or she is vulnerable to this virus, now or in the future? If there are such things as beauty, goodness, and truth, how do I discern them and share them with others? To what end? Is there a purpose that obliges me to develop moral character, including civility, hospitality, tolerance, freedom of speech, equality, and justice? The coronavirus pandemic makes such questions more urgent. How we answer will surely have an enduring impact on the world.