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Job outlook for health science writers in the United States
Are health science writer jobs in demand?
Health science writer job and salary trends over time
Health science writer jobs over time
Health science writer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 69 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 70 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 73 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 73 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 72 | 0.00% |
Average health science writer salary over time
Health science writer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $69,076 | $33.21 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $67,411 | $32.41 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $66,485 | $31.96 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $65,634 | $31.55 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $64,635 | $31.07 | --0.6% |
Health science writer jobs by state
Most common states for health science writers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 318 | 46% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 156 | 25% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,248 | 18% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 103 | 18% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,198 | 16% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 902 | 16% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 150 | 16% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 881 | 15% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 962 | 14% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 242 | 14% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 104 | 14% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,132 | 13% |
| 13 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 649 | 13% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 402 | 13% |
| 15 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 390 | 13% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 174 | 13% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 134 | 13% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 116 | 13% |
| 19 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,251 | 12% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 816 | 12% |
Most common cities for health science writers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rockville | 1 | 1% | $76,077 |
| 2 | San Mateo | 1 | 1% | $88,673 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $62,555 |
Health Science Writer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of health science writer experts
Mercer University
Dr. Joshua Rodefer Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology and NeuroscienceMercer University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
What type of skills will young Health Science 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.
How do you envision technology impacting Health Science 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.