You’ve probably been wondering how much money you can make from writing. Whether you’re a freelance copywriter, looking for your first big project, or just want to know how much you can actually earn, this article will tell you. You’ll discover how much money you can make based on your experience, industry, and what you’re willing to bill.
What Is Copywriting?
Copywriting, or writing for publication, can be considered a form of marketing. But it doesn’t have to be, as most publications will only publish writers who can bring in the revenue they need to stay afloat.
As a copywriter, you’ll be tasked with crafting sales pitches, marketing material, and material for publication. You might be asked to write an article to accompany a press release or to develop an SEO piece for a brand.
Many larger companies require their marketing departments to handle all their copy, which can mean that you’ll be called upon to write various sales letters, articles, and tweets. You might also be asked to take on other marketing initiatives, such as webinars and social media ads.
How Much Money Can I Make?
To put things into perspective, let’s look at how much money you can make based on the experience level and industry of this copywriter. The following earnings examples are not inclusive of taxes or benefits. (They don’t have to be.)
If you have little to no experience, you can expect to make considerably less than $20,000 a year. A copywriter with three to five years of experience can expect to make $25,000 to $35,000. A six to ten year veteran can expect to make $40,000 to $50,000, and a ten to twenty year veteran can earn up to $60,000 or more. (Note: All figures are based on an hour of work a day, five days a week.)
Starting Out
If you’re just getting started, the key to being able to earn a decent living is by consistently delivering high-quality and original content. Building up a portfolio of successfully written pieces will also prove invaluable Down the Road. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these 10 pieces of Copywriting Insights for guidance.