Writers have a wide range of job options, from traditional roles like author or journalist to more specialized careers like screenwriter or technical writer. No matter what type of writing you’re interested in, there’s likely a job out there that will suit your skills and interests. Here are just a few of the many different jobs writers can do and their 2021 median pay from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and current average pay from ZipRecruiter:

1. Author: This is perhaps the most well-known job for writers, and it involves creating original works of fiction or non-fiction and publishing them. Authors may write novels, short stories, children’s books, biographies, or any number of other types of books.
   • BLS Salary: $69,510 per year
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $61,913 per year
2. Journalist: Journalists research and write news articles, features, and other types of content for newspapers, magazines, and online media outlets. They may cover a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, business, and entertainment.
   • BLS Salary: $48,370 per year
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $41,313 per year
3. Screenwriter: Screenwriters create scripts for movies, television shows, and other types of video content. They may work on original projects or adapt existing works into screenplay form.
   • BLS Salary: same as Author salary
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $49,623 per year
4. Technical writer: Technical writers create documents that explain complex information in clear, concise language. They may work in a variety of fields, including IT, engineering, and healthcare, and may create user manuals, white papers, and other types of technical documentation.
   • BLS Salary: $78,060 per year
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $72,218 per year
5. Copywriter: Copywriters create written content for marketing and advertising purposes. They may write website copy, ad copy, emails, and other types of promotional material.
   • BLS Salary: same as Author salary
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $60,748 per year
6. Blogger: Bloggers write and publish content on a personal or professional blog. They may cover a wide range of topics, including lifestyle, travel, food, and more.
   • BLS Salary: same as Author salary
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $45,082 per year
7. Ghostwriter: Ghostwriters are writers who create content for someone else under that person’s name. They may write articles, blog posts, books, or other types of content and receive credit for their work.
   • BLS Salary: same as Author salary
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $53,014 per year
8. Editor: Editors review and revise written content for clarity, accuracy, and style. They may work on books, magazines, websites, or other types of media.
   • BLS Salary: $63,350 per year
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $56,300 per year
9. Grant writer: Grant writers create proposals and applications for funding from foundations, government agencies, and other sources. They may work for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or other types of organizations.
   • BLS Salary: not listed
   • ZipRecruiter Salary: $53,733 per year
10. Speechwriter: Speechwriters create speeches for politicians, business leaders, and other public figures. They may work on a freelance basis or for a specific organization.
    • BLS Salary: same as Author salary
    • ZipRecruiter Salary: $66,979 per year

These are just a few of the many different jobs writers can do. With hard work, persistence, and a little bit of luck, it’s possible to turn your love of writing into a rewarding and fulfilling career

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