It’s no secret that New York City is a hub for creative activity — from music to literature and the arts — and if you’re looking to get your feet wet in the city, there are plenty of options available. From attending the specialized high schools to landing a high-profile internship, there are plenty of ways to get ahead in NY.
But what about writers? How much money do they really make?
Well, thanks to PayScale, we now have an answer: $60,000 per year on average, which is higher than you’d think. While the majority of writers in New York City are freelancers, some have found success in the publishing world and can command six-figure salaries. While six-figure salaries are definitely the exception rather than the rule, it’s still an interesting fact that many writers and artists in New York can support themselves quite comfortably.
The Majority of Writers in New York City Are Freelancers
If you’re looking to pursue a career in New York as a writer, it’s important to note that the majority of writers in the city are freelancers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 83% of writers in New York City are self-employed, which is a very different scenario from larger cities like Los Angeles.
While this may not be the case for everyone, it’s important to remember that being a freelancer has its perks. Not only do you get to choose your own schedule, but you also have the flexibility to work remotely if you need to. As a freelancer, you also have the opportunity to negotiate rates with editors and publishers if you’re able to close a deal. Finally, freelancing may even allow you to save money for important life moments – like buying a home or paying for your children’s education.
Six-Figure Salaries For Artists and Writers
Not only does the median annual income of a writer in New York City exceed that of a typical worker in other cities, but six-figure salaries are also quite common. The most popular field for writers in the city is journalism, with 82,000 job openings available, the highest ratio of any industry. Thanks to digital disruption and the rise of online news, finding a job is no longer as difficult as it used to be.
But it’s not just about finding work. The ability to command a high salary depends on your ability to negotiate. According to the freelancing platform Upwork, the average annual salary for a senior writer in New York City is $60,000, which is higher than the annual average of $52,000 for writers in Los Angeles.
In fact, the highest paid writers in New York City are quite successful in negotiating high rates, often winning contracts that pay them six figures annually. The most in-demand writing platforms in the city, such as The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg News, all pay significantly higher than the competition.
Where Do I Start?
So, if you’re looking to make some serious money in New York City as a writer or artist, where do you start?
Well, for starters, you could try becoming a full-time writer. If not, you could try starting a blog, submitting articles to online publications, or becoming a copywriter for a marketing firm.
And remember, the most in-demand writing platforms in the city, such as The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg News, all pay significantly higher than the competition because they know how talented and valuable they can be when they negotiate deals with top-notch freelancers.
Above all else, make sure that you’re able to negotiate a comfortable rate for yourself, which will take some serious skill and an eye for opportunity.