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Job outlook for grant writers in the United States
Grant writer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected grant writer job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 3,100 new jobs for grant writers are projected over the next decade.
Grant writer salaries have increased 7% for grant writers in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,546 grant writers currently employed in the United States.
There are 16,708 active grant writer job openings in the US.
The average grant writer salary is $52,719.
Are grant writer jobs in demand?
Grant writer job and salary trends over time
Grant writer jobs over time
Grant writer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,546 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,568 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,719 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,799 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,337 | 0.00% |
Average grant writer salary over time
Grant writer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,719 | $25.35 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $51,448 | $24.73 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $50,741 | $24.39 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $50,092 | $24.08 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $49,329 | $23.72 | --0.6% |
Grant writer jobs by state
Most common states for grant writers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 205 | 30% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 403 | 6% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 420 | 5% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 331 | 5% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 198 | 5% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 31 | 5% |
| 7 | New York | 19,849,399 | 802 | 4% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 32 | 4% |
| 9 | Vermont | 623,657 | 28 | 4% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,070 | 3% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 337 | 3% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 232 | 3% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 230 | 3% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 145 | 3% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 100 | 3% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 66 | 3% |
| 17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 38 | 3% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 33 | 3% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 32 | 3% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 32 | 3% |
Most common cities for grant writers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Fernando | 4 | 16% | $66,602 |
| 2 | Lawndale | 4 | 12% | $66,323 |
| 3 | Alhambra | 4 | 5% | $66,343 |
| 4 | Silver Spring | 3 | 4% | $64,366 |
| 5 | Tallahassee | 6 | 3% | $42,436 |
| 6 | Little Rock | 3 | 2% | $43,495 |
| 7 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $65,339 |
| 8 | Elizabeth | 2 | 2% | $58,164 |
| 9 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $57,244 |
| 10 | Washington | 10 | 1% | $74,937 |
| 11 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $64,836 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $50,934 |
| 13 | Aurora | 2 | 1% | $55,322 |
| 14 | Baton Rouge | 2 | 1% | $45,400 |
| 15 | New York | 13 | 0% | $63,202 |
| 16 | Los Angeles | 6 | 0% | $66,434 |
| 17 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $47,977 |
| 18 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $65,388 |
| 19 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $55,335 |
Grant Writer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of grant writer experts
SUNY College at Oswego
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Tusculum University
Washington and Lee University
Belmont University
University of Rhode Island
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Ohio Northern University
Columbia University
Transylvania University
California State University San Bernardino
Mercer University
California University of Pennsylvania
University of Minnesota
Bucknell University
Ferrum College
What Grant 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 general advice would you give to a Grant Writer?
Antonio Byrd PhD (he/they): English majors should be open to many possibilities. There's a tendency to lean into 'traditional' careers like teacher, editor, or publisher. But writing in general is needed across multiple industries, from nonprofits seeking grant writers to tech companies seeking technical writers or content designers.
Vicky Johnson Bós
Associate Professor of EnglishTusculum University
English Language And Literature
What Grant Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Vicky Johnson Bós: Students should be very familiar with using AI in responsible, informed ways to further their writing and research. Having people-skills will never go unused. Good writing and technological skills will become even more in demand with the growth of new, unexplored job markets.
What will help Grant 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.
What Grant Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Finch: Don't panic. There are lots of jobs available, especially in TV news and in new startups-newsletters, podcasts, web-based operations. But most jobs in communications do not hire a year in advance like some high-level business jobs. You are NOT behind if you don't have a job right now. You'll get one.
Be honest with yourself. Don't apply for jobs you don't really want just for the sake of trying to get something. Picture yourself on the other end of a phone call when a manager says, "Congratulations, you're hired." If the thought makes you nervous or sad, don't apply. Don't waste their time and yours. Sometimes that's about a region of the country where you'd prefer not to live. Sometimes, it's about a particular city, or certain ownership. Whatever your own objection, listen to your inner voice and don't apply.
Bring your family into the conversation. It's YOUR job and your career, but things will go better if you explain what your work hours will be. Some family compromises include asking you to take a job within a two-hour flight of home-or a six-hour car ride. Also, educate them on the likelihood that you may move three times before you're 30. It's the nature of journalism and related careers.
Assistant Professor Dorren Robinson
Assistant Professor of JournalismBelmont University
Journalism
What will help Grant Writers increase their earning potential?
Assistant Professor Dorren Robinson: A journalist, whether print, digital or broadcast tells relevant, important stories happening in his or her community. Journalists strive to be fast, but also must provide accurate, objective, verifiable stories grounded in research and ethical reporting. Journalists should tell you what to think about, but not what to think.
What general advice would you give to a Grant Writer?
Professor Julia Wallace: First: Be confident. If you don't believe in yourself, others won't. Second: Be resilient. You will face setbacks. Figure out how to bounce back from them in the way that's best for you. Third: Adapt and keep learning. The field is changing fast, and you want to be one step ahead. And finally, be a good ally - help those around you and make your work environment better.
What will help Grant Writers increase their earning potential?
Professor Julia Wallace: As always, the technical skills, such good writing and reporting, matter. Those who know how to use technology (including artificial intelligence) will be best equipped for the future. And, in increasingly collaborative workplaces, being a good team player is critical. Someone can have great skills but if they can't work with others, they won't survive.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Grant Writers?
John Pantalone: I don't think we have any idea what the long-term effects of the pandemic will be either in economic terms, health terms, or employment terms. It is much too soon to tell. Everything depends on what the government does, how corporations respond to the changing economic climate and evolving technologies. In the field of journalism, everything is up in the air and it will be years before we have a good idea of how journalism will evolve and survive.
Kevin Pulz
Academic Department Chair/Senior Producer-Director, Milwaukee PBSMilwaukee Area Technical College
Television and Video Production/eProduction- Milwaukee PBS
What's a good job out of college for Grant Writers?
Kevin Pulz: Broadcasting is still, strangely, considered a glamor field in so many ways. Little do people realize that cable wrapping and happily executed grunt work are essential talents that often separate the job recipient from the 5 interviewees and 95 applicants for a gig that pays less than fast-food work, even with a college degree.
So a good job out of college is ANY job in the field. Being 'in' and demonstrating one's ability in a professional environment remains key to opportunity in the future.
That said, it's clear that an area of media that's ripe for growth is multiplatform content delivery. It's in the wheelhouse of recent graduates based upon age and media consumption habits and, with traditional broadcast audiences growing older, an aspect of content creation that promises to grow even more legs as distribution methodologies develop and mature.
What's a day at work look like for a Grant Writer?
Shane Tilton Ph.D.: This line of evidence is pointing to one central truth. Those that practiced multimedia journalism techniques before the pandemic will find success now. Also, organizations are looking for those graduates that can be a "one-stop-shop" for producing stories from home. I don't believe that trend will change. This trend also addresses the third question. Graduates are leaving colleges better prepared to use computer-mediated communication tools to complete their jobs' essential tasks. They understand how to be engaging and communicate effectively via their more contemporary communication tools.
What skills stand out on Grant Writer resumes?
Jenny Davidson: Hiring will still be happening, but there will be many overqualified people applying for entry-level positions. In order to stand out, recent graduates will need to pay attention to a lot of different aspects of their self-presentation and stay on top of what is a logistically challenging and often demoralizing process.
- Jobs in commmunications, marketing, content production are often a good fit for humanities grads, but try and find an alum five years out who works in that field to get a keener sense of the specifics of what a future employer wants to see
- Grantwriting is another great thing to get some experience with by interning while you're still a student: these positions are sometimes a better fit for humanities grads with service-oriented and social justice values
- Paralegal and other paraprofessional white-collar work can be a good step to paying off debt and thinking seriously about whether you want to do a law degree or other professional graduate degree
- Take advantage of free course opportunities on Coursera and similar - if you're applying for a social media manager position, you need to be able to talk the language of analytics and page views (having a great Instagram with lots of followers is a plus too, but be aware that there are professional and technical terms you'll be expected to be comfortable with right off the bat)
- Brush up your basic office tools: the Office suite (Microsoft and Google), Teams/Zoom advanced functionalities. Podcast production experience, Wordpress and similar - your resume can mention these with specific examples of projects you've worked on where appropriate.
- Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date, and have your resume and cover letter ready to go immediately - when jobs are advertised electronically, being quick off the mark is key
- Location looks different in this year of remote work, and opens up the possibility that more work will remain remote going forward. The best possible situation for a humanities grad is to leverage the differential between big-city pay scales and lower cost of living in smaller cities or exurbs - going somewhere where the cost of living is low will help the numbers work out on paying the bills
Dr. Melissa McEuen Ph.D.
Professor of History and Bingham FellowTransylvania University
History Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Grant Writer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Melissa McEuen Ph.D.: While I’m not an expert on predicting job market trends, the pandemic has led many of us to rely on virtual or remote workplaces more than ever. And I don’t foresee a complete reversal of this trend. Companies and organizations that have invested in technologies and access this year – instead of, say, sustaining expensive office spaces – will look for worker flexibility on this front. Of course, I’m referring to fields where remote work is possible, and not, for example, frontline health care.
What skills stand out on Grant Writer resumes?
Dr. Melissa McEuen Ph.D.: Evidence of excellent communication skills, especially in writing. If a resume is unclear, sloppy, or error-ridden, the person has not and likely will not pay attention to details while on any job.
Evidence of a candidate's flexibility and adaptability. Sometimes this comes through in the kinds of employment or jobs that an individual has already had, which can be found on their resume. As well, volunteer work or other service that a person includes on the document could be keys to understanding how they might work with a team or whether they have experience doing so. How they spend such "leisure" or "extra" time can provide important clues to a prospective employer.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Grant Writers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Melissa McEuen Ph.D.: The majority of Transylvania University's graduates with history degrees go into one of two fields - law or education. As we've witnessed this year, the United States needs and relies on dedicated and well-prepared experts in both fields. History students know how to conduct research, to judge information sources, to distinguish fact from fiction (or "alternative facts"), to organize and collate data, and to argue persuasively.
Education is a wide-open field - besides public and private schools, which will continue to need teachers to fill their ranks, there are non-profit organizations, community centers, historic sites, tourism bureaus, museums, parks, libraries, and numerous companies that have educational programming and outreach initiatives. Excellent communication skills are essential in all of these sectors.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Grant Writers to find work opportunities?
Guy D. Hepp: Again, I think a student needs to think about what they want to do within the broad field of anthropology. Take a variety of courses and see if you can settle on the subdiscipline or topic that interests you most. Are you passionate about museums and curation? Do you want to work with a company that helps to preserve cultural heritage as development continues? Do you want to work to help make government policies more culturally inclusive, both in the United States and abroad? Anthropology might be perfect for you. I would suggest that students interested in archaeology take a field school, and then, begin working in cultural resources management (CRM) to see how they enjoy it. If museums are what interest you, consider not only courses in museum studies (offered in some anthropology departments or in programs otherwise affiliated with anthropology) but also pursue internships and volunteer opportunities. There are jobs out there. It might help you to get started if you volunteer for the type of career you want.
Dr. Joshua Rodefer Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology and NeuroscienceMercer University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
What type of skills will young Grant Writers need?
Dr. Joshua Rodefer Ph.D.: I think it's safe to say a strong foundation in the basics is critically essential. Of course, a broad background in neuroscience coursework is necessary. However, quantitative skills should be near the top of anyone's list, but what that means has been changing. Traditionally it's been essential to have graduates who are comfortable with understanding, using, and interpreting statistical information.
But more recently, exposure to coursework in data science, data analytics, computer programming has become special skills. Critical in this endeavor is developing healthy skepticism regarding all data, what it means, and what it doesn't mean. Sometimes individuals talk about this as critical thinking or scientific literacy, which are essential for all graduates to be better-informed citizens.
It is also vital that individuals work to become good communicators (broadly defined). Although it is rarely discussed and focused upon in mass media portrayals of scientists, writing is essential as each scientist's career depends upon their ability to communicate research results, convince employers that your work is necessary, and persuade government and funding agencies that they should sponsor your research activities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Grant Writers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Joshua Rodefer Ph.D.: Major metropolitan areas are more likely to have greater concentrations of business, industry, and primary research institutions that might be looking to use graduates with these skill sets – but other areas and regions will also have demonstrated need for individuals with these skills. However, the coronavirus pandemic has seriously curtailed many hiring initiatives during 2020. Given the uncertain budgetary climate, it probably will continue to be a challenging employment climate in the coming months.
I think that it is essential that recent and soon-to-be graduates consider non-traditional sources of careers. Instead of solely focusing on graduate school education and obtaining a university faculty position after your Ph.D., individuals interested in neuroscience would be well-served to consider other career paths. Over the recent past, this typically meant positions in industry, biotech, or big pharma. However, even those areas have now seen an abundance of quality applicants.
It has been evident that individuals need to explore science-related, non-research careers. Places where individuals typically do not look for positions – non-profits, social policy organizations, government positions, business management and consulting, science writing/communication, K-12 education, even law firms often need researchers and data analysts. Thus the importance of developing an extensive and flexible skillset.
How do you envision technology impacting Grant Writers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Joshua Rodefer Ph.D.: Computational skills and experiences likely will be essential. Robotic automation transformed the manufacturing industry, and I would expect a growing reliance on computer programming, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) in neuroscience. Modern science generates data in orders of magnitude greater than what was typical in past decades. These experiences and skills will facilitate complex data analysis and decision-making in fields related to neuroscience.
What type of skills will young Grant 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Grant Writers?
Thomas Reynolds: Technology is constantly changing, and the pandemic has put a wrinkle on innovations that will have an impact on the field of TWC. Yet technical writing and communication have always involved changing technologies -- it is one of the hallmarks of the field. In addition, remote work is common in technical communication, and many scholars have written about the phenomenon, including global virtual teams and distributed workplaces. In any case, technical writers and communicators learn to think about the intersection of technology with the audience.
I think that traditional notions of communicationm such as establishing a friendly, businesslike ethos and considering the very real material circumstances of audiences, will remain uppermost as graduates adapt to the technological changes. Part of this work will also involve recognizing and working to improve social injustices that employers are increasingly in need of addressing. New technologies that emerge will also be part of the landscape for graduates, and they will be eager to learn these new tools.
Sarah Bell
Senior Associate Director, CounselingBucknell University
Center for Career Advancement
How do you envision technology impacting Grant Writers in the next 5 years?
Sarah Bell: As mentioned in #2, English majors go into many fields, and technology is affecting most of them now. We will likely always need creators, editors, and researchers of content, which will certainly make English majors useful in a variety of fields, due to (or in spite of) the technology advances. Experience in learning and utilizing a variety of software, platforms, and social media tools will only enhance their ability to complete their work in an effective and efficient manner in a variety of work settings.
What general advice would you give to a Grant Writer?
Allison Harl Ph.D.: Develop as many multimedia skills as possible. Writing in the 21st century is about visual rhetoric as well as just words on a page.