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Job outlook for script writers in the United States
Are script writer jobs in demand?
Script writer job and salary trends over time
Script writer jobs over time
Script writer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 285 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 293 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 304 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 301 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 299 | 0.00% |
Average script writer salary over time
Script writer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $64,254 | $30.89 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $62,704 | $30.15 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $61,844 | $29.73 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $61,052 | $29.35 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $60,122 | $28.90 | --0.6% |
Script writer jobs by state
Most common states for script writers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 136 | 20% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 266 | 4% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 252 | 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 | 758 | 2% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 223 | 2% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 165 | 2% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 157 | 2% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 147 | 2% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 110 | 2% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 103 | 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% |
Script Writer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of script writer experts
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
Fairfield University
University of San Francisco
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Molloy College
University of Richmond
Ursinus College
Saint Anselm College
Grand Valley State University
Indiana University Kokomo
American University
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Dallas Baptist University
Metropolitan State University
University of Baltimore
What Script Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Terry Nugent: Maximizing your salary potential will largely be dependent on how well you have navigated your undergraduate opportunities. Participating in student organizations, internships, and electives such as music appreciation or theatre can open up unexpected opportunities or make you a good fit for local nonprofit organization. Taking advantage of traveling opportunities and study abroad will also broaden your opportunities. Finally, realizing that education is a life long endeavor and obtaining certifications will document added skills.
What general advice would you give to a Script Writer?
Nicole Walker: My main advice is to show potential employers how it's done!
What general advice would you give to a Script 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.
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 Script 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 Script 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 general advice would you give to a Script Writer?
Paul Cook: English is way more than just the study of literature. English majors learn how to read, write, and speak well—three essential and timeless skills that will serve you well in your professional lives, in a knowledge economy, and in the (post)digital era.
Liam Callanan
professor, EnglishUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
English Language And Literature
What Script 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 general advice would you give to a Script Writer?
Prof. Laura Betz PhD: Please use the skills I mentioned in my bolded quote as my answer for this question.
What general advice would you give to a Script Writer?
Katherine Kim Ph.D: -Again, it depends on the field, as jobs that center on skills you learn by being an English major vary widely. If it is jobs in teaching and studying English language and literature, then being open to interdisciplinary work and the digital humanities/new media will continue to be important. Studying English already requires a certain level of interdisciplinary work, and technology keeps adding to the ways people interact and circulate ideas. In addition, learning how to communicate clearly and understand/interpret what others communicate will always be vital. Given the divisiveness that exists in this world, understanding different perspectives and being able to communicate well with those who hold those perspectives will continue to be important in the field and beyond it.
What Script 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 Script 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 general advice would you give to a Script Writer?
Justin Wigard: Think big and be open to new opportunities. Written communication is present in all fields, so the writing skills you obtain can translate across disciplines and professional contexts. Having some experience with digital tools or data science, even just a little bit, will allow you to combine your qualitative writing experiences with quantitative approaches.
Jay Shelat
Ursinus College
English Language And Literature
What will help Script 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 general advice would you give to a Script Writer?
Dr. Joshua Potter: The best way to maximize your potential growth, both in terms of salary and long-term fulfillment, is to find a line of work that meets your interests and inspirations. This will catalyze creativity, unlock new skills and unforeseen directions through the broader economy. We are living in times of incredible change and transition; the path that is currently visible may be gone tomorrow; being prepared to make orthogonal moves when opportunities open and close is imperative for any line of work. English majors, however, are especially well prepared to do this.
Laurence José PhD
Associate Professor of Writing and Director of the Digital Studies MinorGrand Valley State University
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
What Script Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laurence José PhD: Writing enables us to understand and act on the world around us. In this way, Writer has always been an important profession. But today, the information overload that comes with the digital age amplifies the need for people with skills to make content relevant and accessible for different audiences. This includes writing for social media contexts, crafting stories for a blog or news website, translating a text-based document into an infographic, writing a podcast script, designing slides for a presentation, or synthesizing research findings via a report for decision makers. These skills are relevant in different job sectors. In many ways, the rise of generative AI and the spread of misinformation makes the need for writers and information literacy skills even more prominent.
What Script Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jim Coby: I think we will find ourselves increasingly working with generative AI in the near future. That's not to say that we all need to know the programming behind it, but we should develop a knowledge of how it operates and what gen AI can and cannot help us with. Certainly, gen AI helping us with rote and repetitive tasks will be a boon for creativity, but there's also a potential threat with its creative abilities. The pandemic brought with it a wave of students who were removed from their social and educational school settings for months at a time. Undoubtedly a necessary move from a public health perspective, but there were very clearly some downsides. Chief among those is that many young people have difficulties communicating with their peers. Developing strong communication skills - both in print and in person - are going to become increasingly important. While others may struggle with interpersonal relationships, you can separate yourself by becoming proficient.
What general advice would you give to a Script 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 Script 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.
What will help Script Writers increase their earning potential?
Chance Gamble: More important? Confidence. When I graduated, I walked straight into a field of business I knew nothing about. I was later hired as a professional private tutor by a company that charged our clients $150 for an hour of my time. I believe that is because they saw I was confident that I could do whatever was asked of me. By confidence, I don't mean arrogance. Confidence is that peace that comes from knowing who you are, what you have accomplished, and how hard you will work to overcome future challenges. It is cultivated by a quality education, and it's authentic. In a meta-world of virtual realities where we can't trust the validity of the photos or videos we see, genuine, solid people will only increase in necessity and value. More prevalent? Creativity. Digital humanities is an exciting branch of academia exploring literature, composition, and rhetoric through digital mediums, and English majors are increasingly pushed to consider their interests through multiple modalities. As they move into the workforce, they will bring a blend of technological expertise and literary acumen that will be an explosive, distinct creativity in a world inundated by soulless AI generations.
Dr. Belo Cipriani
Metropolitan State University
Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities
What general advice would you give to a Script 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 Script Writer?
Betsy Boyd: Social media savvy as social evolves; navigating the conversation regarding AI; good writing and improving your writing and communication skills, always important. Brave journalism is going to be key.
What Script Writer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Betsy Boyd: Become the best writer and communicator you can possibly be. By reading and writing as often as possible. By taking notes. By staying excited about your own perspective and the good work of others. Going back to school can be a good way to strengthen your abilities, gain community support, and earn an advanced degree that commands a higher salary.
What general advice would you give to a Script 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.