As the world becomes more digital, people are looking for ways to make extra money. For many, this might mean becoming a freelance writer for online betting companies such as Redbet or GGbet. However, what is the typical salary for a sports writer? What are the essential qualifications for a sports writer? Is there an apprenticeship program for new journalists? Does a blog article count as published material?
The Average Sports Writer’s Salary
Let’s start by looking at the average salary for a sports writer. According to Indeed, the job market is fairly competitive, and journalists with 3-5 years of experience can expect to earn around $35,000 per year. For comparison, the average salary for a copy editor is around $28,000 per year and that of a desk clerk is $24,000 per year.
In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) 2018 Census of Occupations lists the average annual salary for a sports editor as $39,000 and states that the occupation “requires special consideration of sports writing for newspapers and magazines.”
Where Do I Start?
So you’re thinking about becoming a sports writer? Here are a few tips to get you started.
First, look for publications that relate to your area of interest. This way, you’ll be able to find jobs that match your skill set. For example, if you’re based in San Francisco and are interested in the San Francisco 49ers, you may find it easier to get started in freelance writing by looking for publications that focus on the 49ers.
Second, build your portfolio. This will consist of newspaper and magazine articles as well as any other pieces of published work that you can get your hands on. Having a large portfolio will make you look more experienced to potential employers and give you the advantage of being able to pick and choose your projects.
Third, network and build relationships. When you’re starting out, it can be hard to break into the industry. Instead of just applying for a job, try to meet people in the industry and establish connections. This will help get you started and give you the opportunity to provide quality content while building your reputation.
Fourth, be mindful of your costs. While many people think that being a freelancer means getting paid whatever you want, this is rarely the case. Costing will become a key part of your financial planning — especially if you want to be successful as a writer. There are numerous publications that you could write for free, but the chances are you’ll have to put in a lot of hours for each piece. This could turn into a money-maker, but it also means you’ll need to be strategic about how you spend your time.
Fifth, be patient. Just because you’re a qualified sports journalist doesn’t mean that your journey to success will be easy. You’ll need to prove yourself over and over again before you can even think about landing a decent paying job. Just keep hustling and making connections, and eventually, you’ll succeed.
Why Do I Need Special Consideration as a Sports Writer?
The BLS’s 2018 Census of Occupations also notes that occupations in the media and communications fields are growing fast, particularly in New York City and Los Angeles. This trend could also mean that there aren’t a lot of opportunities for sports writers, especially if you don’t live in one of these major cities. In that case, you’d need to be very resourceful in finding jobs that suit your skill set. Fortunately, this is where relationships come in handy.
If you’re looking for a job in New York City, for example, you may find it easier to start your own media company and hire freelancers to help you spread the word about your company and the opportunities it offers. Or, if you’ve got the backing of a large media company, you could get an assignment to write for a sports website in your city.
Of course, none of this means that you should limit your search to a specific area. You could always head to the internet and search for jobs nationwide. That is, until you find one that suits you.
Sports Writing Apprenticeship
If you want to get into the field but don’t have the money to hire a coach, you may consider pursuing an apprenticeship. While it might not seem like a popular option given the role’s average salary, being a sports writer doesn’t have to be that way. You could get your foot in the door for less than you’d expect by completing an apprenticeship program with a company that publishes sports content. This essentially means that you’ll be learning on the job and getting paid to do it.
Apprenticeships usually start with a basic journalistic writing course which will teach you the fundamentals of journalism. You’ll also be expected to develop your writing skills through practical exercise in which you’ll be reporting and editing articles for businesses and publications in your area. In return for completing your training, you’ll get a chance to write and publish your own stories while also getting paid to do so. This could be a win-win situation for both you and the industry. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, apprenticeships are one of the few occupations that offer solid job growth over the next ten years.
The Bottom Line
Making money isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be. By using your talents and building on what you learn from experience, you can find success as a freelance writer. However, being a quality sports journalist doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to land a high-paying job right away. Instead, it will likely be a slow process of getting experience and establishing yourself within the industry. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a way to make money, you can’t go wrong starting a blog and connecting with potential employers via social media.