What Do Creative Writer Do?
Creative Writer Definition Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Creative Writer Responsibilities
- Plan project arrangements or outlines, and organize material accordingly.
- Adapt text to accommodate musical requirements of composers and singers.
- Collaborate with other writers on specific projects.
- Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
- Teach writing classes.
- Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
Featured schools near , edit
Creative Writer Needed Skills
Creative Writers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Creative Writer
- Film Writer
- Writer
- Music Journalist
- Video Games Storywriter
Job Opportunities for Creative Writers
In the United States, there were 131,200 jobs for Creative Writer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,000 new jobs for Creative Writer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,600 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Creative Writer are Utah, Washington, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, New Mexico, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Creative Writer
The salary for Creative Writers ranges between about $31,700 and $121,670 a year.

Creative Writers who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Creative Writers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $58,590 |
Alaska | $64,200 |
Arizona | $55,410 |
Arkansas | $48,670 |
California | $96,910 |
Colorado | $65,450 |
Connecticut | $78,440 |
Delaware | $60,690 |
District of Columbia | $101,690 |
Florida | $53,140 |
Georgia | $63,260 |
Hawaii | $50,740 |
Idaho | $52,570 |
Illinois | $68,710 |
Indiana | $61,920 |
Iowa | $50,680 |
Kansas | $62,670 |
Kentucky | $54,320 |
Louisiana | $44,710 |
Maine | $61,090 |
Maryland | $75,430 |
Massachusetts | $70,000 |
Michigan | $60,850 |
Minnesota | $67,300 |
Mississippi | $53,810 |
Missouri | $57,420 |
Montana | $47,440 |
Nebraska | $45,280 |
Nevada | $53,730 |
New Hampshire | $56,850 |
New Jersey | $81,160 |
New Mexico | $49,460 |
New York | $86,380 |
North Carolina | $67,250 |
North Dakota | $48,060 |
Ohio | $48,380 |
Oklahoma | $50,490 |
Oregon | $69,050 |
Pennsylvania | $60,140 |
Rhode Island | $63,820 |
South Dakota | $49,410 |
Tennessee | $55,370 |
Texas | $56,680 |
Utah | $54,660 |
Vermont | $62,260 |
Virginia | $68,600 |
Washington | $65,200 |
West Virginia | $64,480 |
Wisconsin | $59,360 |
What Tools & Technology do Creative Writers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Creative Writers:
- Microsoft Word
- Google Drive
- WordPress
- Text to speech software
- WhiteSmoke
- OpenOffice.org
- AutoCrit Editing Wizard
- Bare Bones Software BBEdit
- Tumblr
How do I Become a Creative Writer?
Education needed to be a Creative Writer:

What work experience do I need to become a Creative Writer?

Where do Creative Writers Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Creative Writers employed by various industries.

Related Careers
Are you already one of the many Creative Writer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: UNU-WIDER from Helsinki, Finland via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |