How Much Do Copywriters Make As Beginners vs Experts

Copywriters play a crucial role in the world of advertising and marketing, crafting persuasive and engaging content to help businesses communicate their messages effectively. But how much do copywriters make? And is the six-figure freelancer goal realistic for most people who are starting out with copywriting?

As the demand for their skills continues to grow, many aspiring writers may find themselves wondering what kind of income they can expect in this profession. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the earning potential for copywriters in order to make informed decisions about pursuing this career path.

The amount a copywriter makes often depends on a variety of factors, including their level of education, certifications, and years of experience in the field.

According to Salary.com, the average Copywriter I salary in the United States is $54,888 as of May 2023, with a range typically falling between $49,587 and $61,787. However, it’s worth noting that some copywriters may make significantly more, with Built In reporting an average total compensation of $78,797 for Copywriters in the United States.

How much do copywriters make? These are average copywriter salaries for 2023

Note: I find these industry estimates are really conservative, as there are definitely content writers out there earning $100 to $400k a year, B2B SaaS copywriters earning over $100k, and email copywriters earning over $100k early on in their businesses.

Base Salary

The average salary for a copywriter in the United States varies depending on the source. According to Indeed, the average base salary is $59,063 per year, while Salary.com reports an average Copywriter I salary of $54,888. On the other hand, Built In states that the average copywriter salary in the US is $72,416.

Freelance vs Full-Time

Freelance copywriters and full-time copywriters have different income potential due to the nature of their work. Full-time copywriters often receive benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off, in addition to their salaries.

Freelancers, however, must manage their own benefits and taxes, which may affect their overall take-home pay. The advantage of freelancing is that copywriters can set their own hourly rates and potentially earn more by taking on multiple clients.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for writers and authors, which includes copywriters, was $67,120 as of May 2020. Job roles within the realm of copywriting, such as senior copywriter, technical writer, and marketing copywriter, may have varying salaries depending on the specific skills and experience required.

It is essential to consider factors such as the cost of living, regional differences, industry, and company size when evaluating copywriter salaries. As a writer gains experience and develops a solid portfolio, they may have opportunities to advance to higher-paying roles or negotiate better compensation packages with clients.

Factors Affecting Copywriter Salaries

How much do copywriters make as beginners versus those with a few years’ experience? Let’s take a look.

Experience

One of the main factors that affect a copywriter’s salary is their level of experience. As with many professions, those with more years of experience typically earn higher salaries. For instance, an early career copywriter with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $53,963. Meanwhile, a mid-career or an experienced copywriter can expect to earn more.

Education

Although a bachelor’s degree is often preferred by employers, a copywriter’s educational background can also influence their salary. Those with degrees in relevant fields such as English, communications, advertising, or marketing may earn more than those with unrelated degrees. In some cases, a higher degree, such as a Master’s or PhD, can also boost a copywriter’s earning potential.

Certifications

An additional factor that can impact a copywriter’s salary is the completion of professional certifications. Certifications may showcase a copywriter’s competence and commitment to their profession. Some sought-after certifications in the copywriting field include those offered by organizations like the American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI) or the Direct Marketing Association (DMA).

Location

The geographic location of a copywriter can significantly affect their salary. Typically, copywriters working in major cities and metropolitan areas earn more than those in smaller towns or rural locations. For example, the average salary for a copywriter in the United States is $59,063. However, this average may vary depending on the specific location.

Cost of Living

Finally, the cost of living in an area can also influence a copywriter’s salary. Generally, higher salaries are offered in regions with a higher cost of living to account for the increased expenses. These may include housing, transportation, utilities, and other essential living costs. Therefore, it is essential to consider the local cost of living when comparing copywriter salaries in different regions.

Job Roles and Pay Range

SEO Copywriter

An SEO Copywriter is responsible for creating content that is optimized for search engines to increase a website’s visibility and search rankings. These professionals need to have a good understanding of SEO principles and techniques to create content that appeals to both search engines and users. The role typically involves researching keywords, writing optimized content, and monitoring the success of the content through analytics.

The average salary for an SEO Copywriter ranges from around $40,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Some SEO Copywriters may also work on a freelance basis, where pay may vary depending on the project or client.

Content Writer

Content Writers are responsible for creating written content for various platforms, including websites, blogs, and social media channels. Their primary focus is to engage the audience and convey information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. These professionals need to have excellent writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to work under tight deadlines and quickly adapt to changing client needs.

The base salary for a Content Writer in the United States can range between $49,587 and $61,787 per year. Similar to SEO Copywriters, many Content Writers may also choose to work on a freelance basis. Freelance Content Writers can earn an average of $30.48 per hour, which can ultimately determine their total earnings depending on the number of projects or clients they work with.

In conclusion, both SEO Copywriters and Content Writers play essential roles in delivering high-quality, engaging content to targeted audiences. Their pay ranges can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and whether they are working on a freelance basis or as a full-time employee.

Companies and Industries that Hire Copywriters

Copywriters are in high demand across various industries, as their expertise in crafting persuasive messaging is essential to the success of marketing and advertising campaigns. Some of the top industries that regularly hire copywriters include:

• Advertising and Marketing Agencies: These agencies often hire copywriters to work on projects for their clients, creating catchy slogans, compelling advertisements, and persuasive marketing materials.
  
• Retail and eCommerce Companies: Copywriters play a crucial role in crafting product descriptions, promotional materials, and email marketing campaigns for retail and online stores. Famous companies such as Nordstrom are known to employ copywriters to ensure their product listings stand out and connect with shoppers.
  
• Technology and Software Firms: As technology continues to advance, copywriters are needed to help make complex topics and products more accessible to a wider audience. They may write user guides, blog posts, newsletter content, or any other material that helps explain and promote a company’s offerings.
  
• Publishing and Media Companies: Copywriters can work for newspapers, magazines, and online publications, creating compelling content that aligns with editorial guidelines and appeals to readers.

In addition to these industries, copywriters may find opportunities working for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and more.

When it comes to salaries, a US-based copywriter can expect an average salary of around $56,528 per year. However, this number can vary greatly depending on factors such as the writer’s level of experience, geographic location, and the industry in which they work. The top 10% of copywriters make over $121,670 per year.

To find and apply for copywriter jobs, job seekers can utilize websites like Indeed and Glassdoor, which offer comprehensive listings of open positions at companies across various industries. Networking through social media platforms like LinkedIn and attending industry events can also be effective in discovering new job opportunities and establishing connections within the field.

In conclusion, copywriters have numerous opportunities to apply their skills across a wide range of industries and companies. By staying up-to-date on industry trends and continually honing their craft, copywriters can position themselves for a prosperous and rewarding career.

Skills Required for Copywriting Jobs

Copywriters are highly skilled professionals responsible for creating engaging and persuasive written content. To thrive in this field, they must possess a diverse set of skills that enable them to generate attention-grabbing copy for various platforms, including websites, blogs, social media, video scripts, and more.

One of the essential skills for copywriters is strong writing abilities. They must be able to craft clear, concise, and error-free content that captures the target audience’s attention. This requires an excellent command of grammar and punctuation, as well as a keen understanding of sentence structure and tone.

Another crucial skill is creativity. Copywriters need to come up with innovative ideas and approaches for presenting information. This can involve developing compelling headlines, using descriptive language, and employing various content formats, such as lists or tables, to engage readers effectively.

Copywriters should also possess excellent research skills, as they often need to gather information about products, services, or industries to create accurate and informative content. This involves searching for relevant data, analyzing existing content, and synthesizing the collected information to deliver a unique and valuable perspective.

In addition to writing, copywriting jobs often involve editing and proofreading. Copywriters must ensure that their content is polished and free of errors, which requires a meticulous eye for detail and strong organizational skills.

Since many copywriters work on multimedia projects, knowledge of video production and scriptwriting can be valuable assets. They should be adept at writing scripts for video content, adapting their writing style to suit various formats, and collaborating with video production teams to create compelling visual narratives.

In summary, successful copywriters need to possess a range of skills, including strong writing abilities, creativity, research, editing, proofreading, and, in some cases, video scriptwriting. By developing these skills, they can create engaging and persuasive content for a variety of platforms and audiences.

Benefits of Working as a Copywriter

Flexible Schedule

One of the main advantages of working as a copywriter is the flexible schedule it often offers. Many copywriters work on a freelance basis, which allows them to create their own work hours and adapt their workload according to their personal circumstances.

This flexibility can be especially appealing for individuals looking to balance their work with family life, personal commitments, or other pursuits. Additionally, freelance copywriters can work from home or choose their preferred working environment, providing them with the freedom to design a workspace tailored to their needs.

Health Insurance

In addition to the freedom and flexibility that come with a career in copywriting, many copywriters enjoy various benefits provided by their employers. One such benefit is health insurance coverage. Companies that hire full-time copywriters often include health insurance as part of their employee benefits package, which can include dental and vision coverage.

This can be a significant factor in attracting and retaining talented professionals, as it contributes to their overall well-being and financial security.

Furthermore, some employers may also provide disability insurance or other resources that support the health and wellness of their employees. This can help in providing a sense of security to copywriters working in full-time positions.

In summary – how much do copywriters make?

Working as a copywriter can earn you some serious money – and definitely enough to live comfortable, even as a beginnger. It also comes with numerous benefits, such as a flexible schedule and health insurance coverage. These benefits can make the profession an attractive option for those seeking greater work-life balance and a career that offers both financial stability and personal fulfillment.

However…you can only expect to reach high income figures if you actually know how to write copy! Many people think being able to write a good article is enough, but copywriting requires a different skillset, and a good knowledge of buyer behavior and human psychology.

If you want to confidently pitch copywriting jobs and scale your income – I highly recommend you check out the CopyHackers training courses to get you started.