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How Much Does a Policy Writer Get Paid?

Ever wonder how much does a corporate policy writer or consultant get paid? Or maybe you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field and need to know what to expect. Hopefully, this post will provide some insight into the job and give you a better understanding of what to expect going forward.

The Essential Differences Between a Journalist and a Policy Writer

One of the first things you need to know if you’re considering a career in policy writing is that there’s a big difference between the roles of journalist and policy writer. A journalist usually reports on the news, while a policy writer generates news stories.

A good journalist will typically spend a lot of time researching his or her stories and talking to experts to get the facts right. They’ll also report on both sides of an argument or controversy, giving the reader a balanced view.

If you’re a journalist wannabe, you might want to think about getting a masters in political science or journalism. Or, if you’re already a journalist, you can look for jobs in New York City or Washington, D.C., the two cities with the best economies for freelancers. As for the difference between the two, the pay is considerably higher for a policy writer.

The Growth of Policy Writing

If you want to know about the growth of policy writing, then all you have to do is look at the history books. For centuries, public policy was considered the exclusive domain of governments. However, in the last few decades, as the lines between the public and private sectors blur, the role of policy in everyday life is becoming more important. People are engaging with policy makers and advocating for change.

While the number of policy-related articles published in respected newspapers and magazines has increased, so has the number of corporate websites created just to cover policy matters. The reason? People are researching and taking an interest in public policy for themselves, their families, and their communities.

If you’re looking for a career in this fascinating field, then continue reading.

Salary Negotiation For Policy Writers

Once you understand the basic differences between a journalist and an armchair policy maker, you can begin to think about how much you should be paid. It’s important to note that since you’re not dealing with tangible goods (like food or clothing), you have no basis for comparison. So, in order to establish a value for your work, you have to look at other factors.

One of the first things you should do if you’re negotiating an annual salary is to consult the salary scales for your respective fields. This way, you’ll have a basis for comparison and the other side will have the same information at their fingertips. If you’re not sure where to start, then look at the median and average salaries for your particular area. These figures will give you an idea of how much others in your field are making and the range of paying you can expect to be within. Having a benchmark is a great way to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion to your salary negotiations.

Which One Is More Important?

Since policy writing is a more recent development and more formal in terms of its processes and requirements, it’s not yet clear which field is more important. However, according to the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) 2019 Creative Excellence Awards, marketing communications takes the cake as the most in-demand, creative discipline. Furthermore, the ability to write compelling copy and articulate ideas clearly in a digital world are considered the essentials for this type of job.

On the other hand, the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) 2020 Predictions Market forecast has research that predicts a 19% rise in the demand for public policy analysts (which includes consultants and journalists). So, while marketing may be the biggest thing now, it’s clear that the role of a public policy writer is becoming more important. If you’re interested in this field, then consider the benefits that come with a flexible schedule (consultants and journalists typically work on-call or freelance), the opportunity for growth, and the freedom to explore new topics.

Where Can I Go From Here?

If you’re a newbie to this field, then the most important thing for you to do is to learn as much as you can. Luckily, there are numerous resources online that you can use to educate yourself. The best thing is that much of the information is free. For instance, the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) has an entire library of policy-related articles and white papers available for free on their website. Or, if you’d rather read an in-depth article, then you can subscribe to the digital newsletter to get access to premium content. Or, if you’re looking to further your education, then consider applying for an education grant to learn more.

Also worth noting is that while many fields can be a springboard to a great professional career, particularly in New York City or Washington, D.C., if you want to be a full-time, paid writer, then you should consider pursuing a masters in journalism or public administration. Just remember, these are unpaid degrees, so you’ll have to cover your own tuition. However, once you have the degree, you can look for jobs in these cities where the demand is the greatest (these are considered the prestige degrees).

Conversely, if you want to be a freelancer (or own your own business), then you can consider doing some research into how much money can be made by those who practice public administration or journalism. From there, you can decide if you want to be a full-time employee or independent contractor. In the latter case, you’ll need to secure your own business license and register with the city or state you’re operating in (depending on the nature of your business).

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a steady job with good pay and a formal structure, then consider a policy writing career. However, if you want to be a freelance writer, then look into how you can make the most money with your gifts.