In 2014, there were 1.3 million new resume-related jobs. By 2018, that figure increased to 1.9 million new jobs, and the market is still expanding. According to Payscale, the average annual income for a professional resume writer is $64,000.
And the demand is certainly there. According to a 2019 survey by The Ladders, 45% of employers are expecting to increase their use of job resumes in the coming months, while only 15% are intending to decrease their use.
So it would appear that writing resumes is a lucrative profession. But how lucrative is it? Let’s take a look.
Career Advancement And Income Potential
The demand for resumes is growing, as is the income potential. Payscale, a U.S.-based employee benefits and payroll software company, forecasts that by next year, there will be 1.9 million new resume-related jobs. And while that figure is somewhat conservative, it still points to a lucrative opportunity for those looking to get into the field.
According to the company, there are currently 1.3 million open jobs in the U.S. that require a resume. That number is only going to continue to grow in the next year. With unemployment rates at a multi-decade low, there are more and more people looking to make the jump into the workforce. And it would appear that writing resumes is one of the easier ways to do so. Why? Because even if you’re not a perfect writer, you can always find someone to edit your work before turning it in. While there are no exact figures available, it is estimated that 10 to 15% of the American workforce is engaged in some form of resume writing. Which means there are hundreds of thousands of openings for new resume writers.
The good news for those looking to get started is there is plenty of work to be had. To demonstrate the income potential, let’s take a look at what four different writers with varying experience levels and skill sets earned in 2019 and compare them to the median U.S. income figures.
Rough Draft
If you’ve ever worked with a professional resume writer, you know how crucial that first draft is. It’s often the case that the better the first draft, the better the final product. Which is why a lot of emphasis is put on creating a solid draft that is easy to polish and edit. Also, since the first draft is often a rush job, it’s imperative that you get a good one.
According to Payscale, the average income for a professional resume writer who produces a first draft within the first three months is $60,000. After the first three months, the income potential drops significantly.
So if you’re looking for a higher profile job that pays well, invest in some good quality materials and get to work. And if you’re looking for additional income, consider producing a first draft for someone in need. The demand for high-quality resumes for educational purposes, internships, and job applications is at an all-time high, and there’s plenty of work to be had.
Pro-Flex
If you’re looking to maximize your income potential, consider investing in materials that will make your resume stand out. One of the best things that happened to the resume in the last couple of years is Pro-Flex, a term used to describe versatile, hybrid resumes that can be accessed on any device. Created using a simple formula that combines the best of both worlds: print and digital.
According to Payscale, the average income for a professional who creates a pro-flex resume is $67,000 per year. While that figure might not seem like a lot of money, if you’re looking for additional income, consider creating a pro-flex resume for clients who can’t or won’t upgrade to a digital version of their resume. The demand for versatile resumes continues to increase as employers are looking for employees who can adapt to changing technologies and workflows.
Digital Marketing Specialist
If you’ve ever shopped online, you might have noticed that some retailers offer a money-back guarantee. Why? Because the odds are that you’re not going to want to keep the item you purchased once you know how much trouble you’re going to get into trying to return it.
Well, the same principle applies when it comes to earning potential. Once you’ve worked with a professional resume writer, you know how much trouble you can get into trying to return the templates that were provided for your use. Which is why if you’re looking for a stable job with good pay, consider becoming a digital marketing specialist and using those templates to land yourself a job. You’ll be providing services to businesses who want to advertise online, so you’ll need to have the skills to accurately put together compelling ads that attract potential customers.
According to Payscale, the average income for a professional who specializes in digital marketing is $69,000 per year. Just remember that this is only part-time work and it might not be the best fit for everyone. But if you’re looking for additional income, consider training to become a digital marketer.
Writing Resumes As A Full-time Job
If you’re looking to make a full-time income, consider looking into getting a graduate degree in resume writing. Many top resume writers schools offer classes on the subject, and even without formal training, there are numerous online resources that you can turn to for advice on how to write a resume. Additionally, if you’re looking for a higher profile job, consider pursuing a graduate degree in resume writing. The demand for professional writers is at an all-time high, and there are plenty of well-paying positions available for those who can prove their value.