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Job outlook for proposal writers in the United States
Proposal writer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected proposal writer job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 3,100 new jobs for proposal writers are projected over the next decade.
Proposal writer salaries have increased 7% for proposal writers in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,810 proposal writers currently employed in the United States.
There are 18,125 active proposal writer job openings in the US.
The average proposal writer salary is $68,706.
Are proposal writer jobs in demand?
Proposal writer job and salary trends over time
Proposal writer jobs over time
Proposal writer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,810 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,033 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,111 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 8,064 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,660 | 0.00% |
Average proposal writer salary over time
Proposal writer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $68,706 | $33.03 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $67,049 | $32.24 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $66,128 | $31.79 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $65,282 | $31.39 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $64,288 | $30.91 | --0.6% |
Proposal writer jobs by state
Most common states for proposal writers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 235 | 34% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 625 | 7% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 389 | 6% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 381 | 6% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 34 | 6% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 211 | 5% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 39 | 5% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 33 | 5% |
| 9 | New York | 19,849,399 | 797 | 4% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 125 | 4% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 71 | 4% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 39 | 4% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 38 | 4% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,166 | 3% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 372 | 3% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 296 | 3% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 263 | 3% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 100 | 3% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 44 | 3% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 22 | 3% |
Most common cities for proposal writers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairfax | 4 | 17% | $88,198 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $82,501 |
| 3 | Reston | 4 | 7% | $88,168 |
| 4 | Hartford | 4 | 3% | $74,091 |
| 5 | Lansing | 4 | 3% | $70,525 |
| 6 | Montgomery | 4 | 2% | $56,107 |
| 7 | Washington | 9 | 1% | $102,799 |
| 8 | Boston | 7 | 1% | $74,673 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 7 | 1% | $51,966 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 5 | 1% | $65,622 |
| 11 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $62,149 |
| 12 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $79,737 |
| 13 | Urban Honolulu | 4 | 1% | $56,897 |
| 14 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $60,853 |
| 15 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $66,396 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 5 | 0% | $79,301 |
| 17 | Austin | 4 | 0% | $66,817 |
| 18 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $82,398 |
Proposal Writer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of proposal writer experts
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Molloy College
University of Richmond
Ursinus College
University of Miami
American University
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Metropolitan State University
Tusculum University
Colorado Mesa University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Pepperdine University
University of Rhode Island
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Ohio Northern University
California State University, Los Angeles
Columbia University
What general advice would you give to a Proposal 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.
Liam Callanan
professor, EnglishUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
English Language And Literature
What Proposal Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Liam Callanan: Writing, writing, writing. And in whole sentences. Not like these. Communication will be key in every field, and people who are trained to be critical thinkers, who practice good listening, who write clearly, concisely, and thoughtfully, will be highly valued.
Prof. Laura Betz PhD
Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in EnglishWhat Proposal 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.
What Proposal Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katherine Kim Ph.D: -You should have your application documents polished and organized. In addition, students can take advantage of opportunities to highlight themselves while still in school. For instance, getting published in a school literary magazine, heading a school-sponsored literature club or author event, or working for a school (or outside) publication can show your skills and interests before you even apply for full-time positions. Also, part of the situation deals with striking a balance between how you want to be desired by the person doing the hiring and how you want to show desire for the position. While you want to cast a wide net sometimes when looking for jobs, you also want to put in that extra effort with the applications for jobs that would be really great fits. If the hiring person and you both see how well you would fit in the position, that can help make the case for trying to secure you for the job!
What will help Proposal Writers increase their earning potential?
Katherine Kim Ph.D: -I think it depends on what field you are discussing, as 'English' doesn't necessarily need to be seen as a field (unless you are speaking of teaching or studying English language or literature). However, I can say that the great thing about an English degree is that it can be beneficial for people to have in a variety of fields. In fact, for quite a few years now, people in fields like business have been wanting new hires with better communication, writing, interpersonal interaction, and close analysis skills, as well as mental flexibility, than they have been seeing. These are all skills that can be practiced and honed through being an English major! Sometimes people think of English degrees as useful only if someone is going to teach English, but that is definitely not the case!
Justin Wigard
Postdoctoral Research FellowUniversity of Richmond
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What Proposal Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Justin Wigard: Critical textual analysis is key. With a degree in writing, you’ll be able to parse multiple forms of writing effectively: grants, data reports, creative works, and more! You’ll be prepared to work with anything that conveys information through written form (digitally, verbally, even visually). Digital writing, rhetoric, and publishing is also going to become increasingly prevalent as our world becomes more digitally connected. So, learning the ins and outs of writing is great, but you will become even more proficient if you have a little bit of experience working with digital projects. Programming, data science, basic web design, or proficiency with digital publishing suites will give you more understanding of how to write and create in a technologically-mediated world.
Jay Shelat
Ursinus College
English Language And Literature
What will help Proposal Writers increase their earning potential?
Jay Shelat: Learn to negotiate for a higher salary!
What Proposal Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaswinder Bolina Ph.D., M.F.A.: As large-language model artificial intelligence permeates the marketplace, those with truly unique reading, writing, and analytical skills will become more important than ever. Most crucial will be the ability to quickly identify formulaic writing and thinking done by machines while offering vibrant, original, and human solutions to social, political, and economic problems. Your English major taught you how artful and inventive language can offer singular and vital perspective. Seek out that kind of language and insight. Relish every opportunity to produce it yourself.
What general advice would you give to a Proposal Writer?
Chelsea Horne Ph.D.: Use and develop the skills you have already gained during your degree. And be on the lookout for opportunities to continue expanding your skill toolkit, such as professional development workshops, certificates, and graduate programs (like the innovative MA in Literature, Culture, and Technology we offer at American University), where you can further hone expertise that can make you stand out. We are at a moment full of potential; maintaining flexibility and supporting the expansion of your skillsets can help you maximize your position.
Dr. Arthur Garrison LP.D.
ProfessorKutztown University of Pennsylvania
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What will help Proposal Writers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Arthur Garrison LP.D.: In CJ, writing skills and the ability to work with people and the ability to learn new things.
Dr. Belo Cipriani
Metropolitan State University
Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities
What general advice would you give to a Proposal 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 Proposal 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.
Vicky Johnson Bós
Associate Professor of EnglishTusculum University
English Language And Literature
What will help Proposal 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.
Dr. Tiffany Kinney PhD
Associate Professor of EnglishColorado Mesa University
English Language And Literature
What Proposal Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tiffany Kinney PhD: In terms of general advice, students just entering the career field after graduating should apply far and wide. In other words, I would suggest that students not limit themselves because they might be surprised where they can land a job. With that said, they should still tailor their application materials for the job that they want, instead of just sending out the same materials again/again.
Randall Auxier
Professor of Philosophy and Communication StudiesSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What Proposal Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Randall Auxier: Writers have to be patient about this. The fields that were once supporting writers (e.g., journalism) have dried up. No one gets paid much for this kind of work any more. The best strategy is to seek a position that has upward mobility and become a writer in the fashion described above. You have to be good at it, of course, to increase your value to a company. Being sure that you are credited for everything you do, in the text, is very important, in creating a portfolio that makes you mobile. People will let you go uncredited unless you insist on being credited. Here you really must be bold. You are not moving your career forward unless you are credited for everything you do. No one can reasonably deny your request to be credited, so insist on it.
What will help Proposal Writers increase their earning potential?
Lisa Smith Ph.D.: Highlight the skills you are already proficient in, such as critical thinking, creating engaging content, or working with others. Be open to writing in fields you may not have originally envisioned as a potential avenue of work for you, such as business writing or technical writing. Emphasize any writing you have done for the web and social media that has engaged a diverse or extensive audience. Highlight how a writing degree allows you to develop a range of communication skills during an undergraduate program, and share any experience you have with using AI for crafting the best text possible.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Proposal 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.
What's a good job out of college for Proposal Writers?
John Pantalone: At this point, at the risk of being sarcastic, any job is a good job. The real answer is that it depends on the field you plan to go into and what you consider a good job. A livable wage with reasonable benefits is part of the equation; the other part is whether you genuinely enjoy the work.
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 Proposal 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 technical skills for a Proposal Writer stand out to employers?
Kevin Pulz: What skills AREN'T desirable to employers? Video Editors need to be motion graphics stars as well. Videographers are more valuable if they are photojournalists or video essayists in addition. On-line content mediators and creators are in demand as corporations that once flew in employees for training are finding all sorts of benefits to creating visual media locally and sharing globally.
There's no substitute for solid production skills and strength in technology as a whole; but there's a voracious appetite for cutting edge approaches to content treatment, acquisition and delivery. Possessing the ability to deliver on both the audio and video quality we've come to expect as well as the promise of developing fresh modes of content creating utilizing new and exciting technologies positions anyone early on their career well for long-term success in a rapidly challenging and exciting world of media.
What's a day at work look like for a Proposal 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Proposal Writers?
Shane Tilton Ph.D.: I have argued that the pandemic has dropkicked society, culture, and daily activities fifty years into the future. We are doing more decentralized work virtually from home. The journalism industry seems to have felt the boot prints of that dropkick as much as any industry. One of the continuous influences of COVID-19 post-pandemic appears to be the "home studio model" for broadcasters and journalism organizations. I would point to the "Room Raters" Twitter account as evidence for this claim. It seems that people are more comfortable with reporting from home. Journalism graduates are now presenting news stories in a quasi-informal manner. The general public seems to be okay seeing journalists in more business casual clothing than the power suit.
It has also fundamentally changed the functional roles of journalists. Contributors and correspondents show off their credibility by displaying the books they wrote on the shelves behind them or the visual artifacts of their subject of expertise. Anchors have a screen behind them, highlighting the story with some visuals. Citizen journalists are finding more accessible access to essential sources via Zoom or Skype. Reporters are framing their interviews via those services as well.
What's a good job out of college for Proposal Writers?
Kate Kurtin Ph.D.: Any job that you are passionate about and brings you joy is a great job out of college. Don't look for a "forever job" after college, look for a job where you can learn and grow and support yourself.
What skills stand out on Proposal 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